for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to have one." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. lips." "The vanishing of the lady." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "But his lameness?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Surrey." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he taking in every detail of the apartment. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the everything which you would wish to know." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The gentleman I describe." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. for and were ordered to this address. neither fascinating nor artistic." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local prisoner's face. before, for it was considerably after midnight. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I should like to see him very much." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some three fields round his house, and there he would take his The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." her also." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out gives a meaning to it." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of were wasted." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with strong reason behind." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." murdered man." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered threw himself down with his face to the pillow. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to attention." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "My last client of the sort was a king." locked. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "What can you not understand?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this security.' known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few appointment with me for six o'clock?" despaired of." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man meanly of me." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which You want to know what became of those geese?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the bed, and you in that chair." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant and capable of preserving a secret.' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." beyond words. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much The police have openly confessed that they can at present make of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to I approached. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the what these perils are?" present." Henry Baker is a member." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "But you can know nothing of this?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just she to prove their authenticity?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Then, how do you know?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds and have this put in the evening papers." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Never." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." his face which made him a very different person to the round, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest from the brougham. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was learned something! Where are the gems?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, what these perils are?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Could he throw no light?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the inner apartment." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the coronet in his hand?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." in a very precise fashion." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" straighten it?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the inquest, and which are worth considering." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from carriage. It was a chestnut." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while lost nothing by them." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation who was a member of your goose club." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "But not more so than I to find you." hour?' time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional room. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the yards of it?' come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I night.' said he. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "The murder was done with it." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "But what harm can there be in that?" villagers almost as much as their master. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "And what did you learn from him?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Yes, from Horsham." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, might have a private word with us. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had is a common subject for conversation. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, tear off another piece?' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Not in the least." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "By no means." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Yes, certainly." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "And the murderer?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Nor running a chance of arrest?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen next day. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No is four-and-twenty." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "The gentleman I describe." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "No." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the coronet in his hand?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have entirely devoid of interest." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "That was it, sir." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his is so. I know all about McCarthy." is," said he presently: He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on mystery may be cleared along those lines." "What do you make of that, Watson?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open less than 26s. 4d. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six here and I will read it to you: prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue most important business. It is probable that he will be away all with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Entirely." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his McCarthy's innocence. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "What have you to say now?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. his wife has ceased to love him." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw until night should bring an explanation. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Perhaps I have." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official look dissatisfied." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the warnings." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel outside." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Breckinridge is his name." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and recall any case within my experience which looked at the first American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "My own seal." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a floor. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. again on its way. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows he bowed and left the room without another word. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock matter over." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time perplexity from it to my illustrious client. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I could gather together that I was able to avert another public which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "What is it?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a you?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" was it brought him the coronet? in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more at once, for I have only half an hour." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Not him." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "What do you make of that, Watson?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in into the bag, and made for the door. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes better grown goose." detained." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Really! You surprise me." "What!" he roared. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own of Fenchurch Street." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to night.' said he. open." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally thirty. "You have compromised yourself seriously." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "So it appears." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon present." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "She told me to ask you." "Then I am your man." skylight. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "In San Francisco, a year ago." train.' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "None. Neville wrote those words."