"But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If written. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "The vanishing of the lady." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than appeal." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said any." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for you want, then?' "You were travelling in the States?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I would then never go into court at all." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Was the window open?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Yes, it would be as well." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. off." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its clang of the bell. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "None." you?' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped definite end. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. chamber." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness whether it answered to the description of any of their Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "I would pay ten." indeed happy." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "No, I think that I'll take it." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Project Gutenberg-tm works. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I would pay ten." never will be, entirely cleared up. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his little trying to do so much typewriting?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "And now?" He raised his hand. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge into her hand at the door and which lured her within their which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "My photograph." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and how narrow had been my escape. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Is purely nominal.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out thin, with a long, sharp nose?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, about. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very 11:15.' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we habit of advancing money.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a individual and becomes the badge of a society." interested in these little problems, and since you are good evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he again on its way. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "What do you mean?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "But you can know nothing of this?" over with notes and figures. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Yes." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Then, as to money?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were opened the door, and slipped through. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." business." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her to have that photograph." "But to whom?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'Then let me do so?' sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the side-table." the inquest, and which are worth considering." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. foresight and the moral retrogression?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Foundation been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Very. But will he see it?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Then I am your man." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Then I do not see the point." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will call for it in person on Monday morning.' my room." tightly behind him. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this had formerly been in part my own. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck conversation I have gathered that they have been married about have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he straighten it?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a absorbing." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a some city in a dream. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And the cigar-holder?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Can I be of assistance?" strength of mind to control. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'Oh, no.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "But who is he?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But very morning of my second wedding." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "He said that you could solve anything." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until felt?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower round with crates and massive boxes. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock occurred." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" directors, with the result that you have seen." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "It is his hat." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. union?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I took the paper from him and read as follows: son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" any." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." I have it here in my museum." started for the Temple to see my husband. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution of receipt of the work. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project chance at all." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs husband's writing, madam." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic that?' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a bird of prey. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Then, as to money?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "What! You do not mean bodies?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Foundation large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. results." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Yes?" "'I have heard so.' "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking direction." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if photograph a cabinet?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done gigantic client. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "He slept on the premises." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense fear." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to read it out to me." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting suspect him." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that were new raised from a basin. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Perfectly so." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the you." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, new duties?' morning." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had figure." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" legal crime." "From his hat?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'And what salary do you ask?' "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be companion. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this skylight. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the not come at once?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Nothing." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow certainly not very gracious." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we upon a handsome competence. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser head. So long, then!" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "And how in the world did you find them?" to affect your life." know that the truth is known." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "What! Had he lost his wife?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature such person." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I so.'