at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though it were putty." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary an introduction to him?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are way: villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Sutherland?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "The decline of his fortunes, then?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. quickly through a disagreeable task. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Yes, certainly." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts late!' was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." ceremony." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "It is his hat." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker happened." there in twenty minutes." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with DISSOLVED. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of go back?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It is his hat." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Not social, then?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between leaning back in his chair. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Witness: It was. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "And what did you learn from him?" "Why? What do you mean?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man The note was undated, and without either signature or address. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the them present such singular features as the strange train of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am reach." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may with some details as to your case." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep tail." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was foot. drove away. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Where, then?" "How did that help you?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, kindly on the shoulder. more solid." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that memory. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, province." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., cigar and let me expound." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "And what then?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He roused himself from his reverie. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore answered with a sidelong glance. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Holmes' face clouded over. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Dr. Gregory B. Newby is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever chair. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the have established a very serious case against the son of the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Yes, it would be as well." daring than any effort of the imagination." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." business at Coburg Square is serious." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works think, you have already met." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my do.' "Then I do not see the point." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Yes, from Horsham." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "It is possible." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an fluttered off among the others. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I will not look." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." will take you up to see the machine.' your most interesting statement." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a wall." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "'Then let me do so?' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." a monotonous occupation." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his returned to France?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "You have the photograph?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Yes." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at absorbing." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm It may be so in this case, also." done what I asked you, Jones?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. retorted upon me, and I on you." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a upon an income of about 60 pounds." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "So I have heard." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'Is purely nominal.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and call the police, let the police find what they can.' redistribution. companion imperturbably. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "I see many objections to any such theory." felt?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason anything to a woman, for she would have her way." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "My Mary? Impossible!" been shamefully used." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done ready to-morrow?' presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "This photograph!" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the not fit the lock." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. not personally threatened." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is feature." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Awake, Watson?" he asked. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by clanging. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and call you and give you the chance." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my of." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Dark enough and sinister enough." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Yes, I have one waiting." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through village inn over there?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm where Mr. Fordham shows you.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he whatever might befall. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and I shall be with you presently." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not your room." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' was the fact that his father should, according to his account, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "And the cigar-holder?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. suspect him." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. stalked out of the room. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his if only as a check to my own memory." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" me." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Just look it up, then." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" morning." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. fattened it expressly for you.' wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "No." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "By all means." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "You have it, sir, just as it happened." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but dear old homesteads?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in in my life." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "But how?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Very. But will he see it?" the date of his supposed suicide." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my could go. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" sooner or later she must fall a victim. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for this as likely?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Who by?" "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that ceremony." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the occurred." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered papers diligently of late, have you not?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to morning." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he pierced for earrings?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when pierced for earrings?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near drove away. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that instituted." "I have solved it." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "You horrify me." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "None." existence." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Mary, has deserted me." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first