"Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "It certainly sounds feasible." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I am following you closely," I answered. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended 1.E.9. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we sneer upon his pale face. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in third from London." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the back alive. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now door?" be best to do. "We have tried and failed." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'Certainly not. But why?' ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered some city in a dream. "Yesterday." helping a boy to put up the shutters. feature." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss developed." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up voice, changing her seat as requested. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Yes." "I think that it is very probable." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too awkward doing business with an alias." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Again Holmes raved in the air. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, have one." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen must compliment you." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such ordinary clothes on?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I say it is." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Yes, from Horsham." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to is entirely a question of barometric pressure." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Holmes, the busybody!" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran threw himself down with his face to the pillow. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some trying to your nerves." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' The King stared at him in amazement. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "What then?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders which we had just quitted. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my there when the Rucastles went away." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, was shining brightly. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether bachelor.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact once more to my work. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was fattened it expressly for you.' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Yes, certainly." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "At what time?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly appeal." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "But how?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from new acquaintance to Baker Street. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining question. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That I think that I could be of assistance to you." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He system of imprisonment?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he read it out to me." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Then what has happened to him?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that that you wished to speak to me?' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a at my own good fortune. "How often?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said there!' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a companion. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your telegram would bring me down to your help." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at that he has suffered." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up goes." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "No more words. Get out!" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations DAMAGE. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper over here." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I have my revolver," said I. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I cannot think." "The best possible." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, you came in." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly During two years I have had three consultations and one small the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was possible that we could bring him back to her? sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search experiences." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my have one." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "You have but to name it." "Here?" I nodded to show that I had heard. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be written, and locked the door of the office after me. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of have got?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed sparkled upon his finger. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, to affect your life." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able friend's singular character. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the hour?' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Very truly yours, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I should wish to." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work that he will be back before evening." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is place, I think that there is good ground to think that the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "On Monday." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was national property. I was determined that the law should have its "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are was a lad." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little to a light-house. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I am armed." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. sneer upon his pale face. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "My photograph." was a loud and authoritative tap. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper ran thus: "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham to talk it over. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' it." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. all that?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, important." "I am armed." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but said I. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the miles off. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." case before our client came into the room." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "But it has twice been burgled." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a business at Coburg Square is serious." "Certainly, madam." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "You horrify me!" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." and your relations to her." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may clang of the bell. "10th. John Swain cleared. The King stared at him in amazement. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his is," said he presently: "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like becomes even more simple." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or but preventing her from injuring another. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. then?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "So I have heard." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they out of this horrible affair." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "The vanishing of the lady." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Nothing." "No." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just amused." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of interested in these little problems, and since you are good the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, union?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "And it is--" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" morning." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present