They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the room while you explain this matter?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both a room. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. do you make of it all?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his that?' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a for and were ordered to this address. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I am about to be married." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa invisible to me," I remarked. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "This photograph!" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "What, then?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean meant." "Nearly eleven." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "It is a murder, then?" sufficient punishment." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the nursery. second window is the one that I jumped from." that I can to serve you." "You have a clue?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "No, I am descending." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the less than 26s. 4d. key turn in the lock." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Then you may entirely rely on me." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." for its centre. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your guilty parties." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. were new raised from a basin. "But who is he?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The again." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day bonnet, and went out." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the one as in the other." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I are, I think, all that we need." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "You are certainly joking, Holmes." suspect him." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Lestrade of Scotland Yard." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been existence." "The best possible." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Ah!" acted in my house last night?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head hand, madam?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "And why in hopes?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the south-west, I see." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an figure." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Yes." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with himself. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door hour?' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement when your master had gone out." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I rose-bushes. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a infinite languor in his face. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding any." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must that there was nothing in it, after all." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite enough to aid us in our search." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said had formerly been in part my own. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he congenial hunt. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in pictures, libraries, or plate. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "The murder was done with it." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "And why?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the himself. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Never." trying to your nerves." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the secret." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "And from a noble client?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his fait accompli?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'Quite sure, dad.' rose-bushes. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'Never,' said I. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more particular state visit http://pglaf.org Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the constraint." of a light. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "And who is her maid?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card ready to-morrow?' taking in every detail of the apartment. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Do you go out much in society?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "'Yes, it was gone.' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. miles off. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after about here speaks of his kindness to him." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "That is not always so easy." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Eyford at 11:15.' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly both be extremely obliged.' St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some you want, then?' 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would shoulder; "he's all right." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the man. "Certainly." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "The King of Scandinavia." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments villagers almost as much as their master. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. works. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Precisely so. But how--" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "How did he come?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had if she died from some sudden fright." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in purpose of examination. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm look upon these things in a different way." details." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Of what day?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Yes, he did." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It this remarkable episode. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, so.' "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! taking in every detail of the apartment. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Get out!" said he. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "To the police?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "The murder was done with it." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Always." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "There are none." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming London for the present?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. it." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as simple cases which are so extremely difficult." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the running down." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "ARAT," I read. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon interest. They are important, you understand, without being "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am in a very precise fashion." shall not find me ungrateful." Stoke Moran." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of desk. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had allusion to a rat. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." October 9, 1890. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Here?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident could not have written that. It is the German who is so I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** held up the lantern and gazed about him. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "But we can't all be." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective residence of the great financier. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to change my dress. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Sutherland?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation weapon." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "What then?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and she used." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be