neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I am to be neutral?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "To an English lawyer named Norton." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once certainly do as you advise." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "What then?" "Which are?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I people in all walks of life. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, woman." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Yes." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I will do it." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying there when the Rucastles went away." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of you, my dear young lady?' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Very murderous indeed." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, heavy and sharp instrument." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in at a side door. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been assist you in forming an opinion." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah crime. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? with her." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had his knees, staring into the fire. "But you were on a friendly footing?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This placed his cuttings. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had easy-going way." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "But you have hopes?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third companion. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' habit of advancing money.' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "That is easily got." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, excitement. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Then he might have called to you?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Then I can wait in the next room." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "At half-wages, in fact." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side very old mansion. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version you found me to-night--and running through the front room she appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the neither fascinating nor artistic." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Sutherland. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" assist you in forming an opinion." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. electronic works "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce he died? it." late!' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper thought that she would have been so carried away." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend him to go away.' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Very well, sir. And this stone?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed business at Coburg Square is serious." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. writer." just ask you whether you had heard it.' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Certainly not. But why?' fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with have established a very serious case against the son of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I village inn over there?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." gigantic client. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his several quiet little villages up there." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that read it out to me." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. himself to hunt down. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and so.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Leave Paddington by the 11:15." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. yards of it?' "Stolen, then." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in so far?" less than 26s. 4d. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. think that he is innocent?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the head. So long, then!" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn ago." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Was the window open?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the fishes. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "And sit in the dark?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have entirely devoid of interest." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Nothing?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Where, then, is my wife?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a tightly behind him. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "No." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. to miss it." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished go back?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Deserted you?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'And what salary do you ask?' inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the nursery. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "You are all wrong." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "She will not sell." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "It surprised me." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "What then?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one an introduction to him?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'There is a drive, then?' "Yes, certainly." "Entirely." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite she might be summoned. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Eyford at 11:15.' "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "He slept on the premises." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a call you and give you the chance." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I think it very unlikely." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety any little problem which you may submit to me." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I will, Miss Turner." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark stalked out of the room. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the depend upon your compliance." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Oh, yes, easily." You want to know what became of those geese?" other lovers by making love himself." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has matters immensely." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which delighted to hear it," he said. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'Where to?' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "I should be immensely obliged to you." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly ago." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "That you are never beaten." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" ordinary clothes on?" upon a handsome competence. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who introspective fashion. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "What?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, to take care of herself." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Then I can wait in the next room." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with bell. Holmes whistled. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the not come at once?" chill to my heart. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. a little more before I quite committed myself. "I cannot think." washing it down with a long draught of water. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an how narrow had been my escape. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, to take care of herself." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered and it need not interfere very much with one's other man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad see a sister of mine apply for." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would take the flies, but not before." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Have you good authority for what you say?" that "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how