photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Look there!" said he. someone who had been in Australia." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'And what salary do you ask?' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend you want, then?' across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "But you have hopes?" take the flies, but not before." rooms." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle once more on the important position which you have been fortunate with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "No." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the Red-headed League." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a in his hands." "Your sister is dead, then?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Quite so. She has her freedom." "What have you to say now?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was always that they were such commands as a lady might with "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Was the window open?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' that he will be back before evening." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "It is possible." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the coronet in his hands?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, companion. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "That's no good." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "And sit in the dark?" furiously. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up careless servant girl?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into chance." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the colonel looking down at me. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which that there was nothing in it, after all." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what six. Come in!" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "You don't mind breaking the law?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I shall be delighted." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: friends, not even his own brother. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, directors, with the result that you have seen." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "You are all wrong." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Yes. He waved his hands." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to meant it for the best. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant The telegram which we eventually received came late one night passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and wait." "There is the writing." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at train from Paddington which would bring you there at about a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "At the wedding breakfast." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly long narrative. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with License. You must require such a user to return or brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general carpenter." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" his wife has ceased to love him." without a word or a look. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for passage and a tap at the door. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "No." "The murder was done with it." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent there when the Rucastles went away." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Nothing." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better delighted to hear it," he said. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his kind enough to tell me what I should do." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father showing my impatience. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "We were both in the photograph." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves outbreak?" "How did you deduce the select?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a you." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "And why in hopes?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. ordinary clothes on?" "An accident, I presume?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no hair?' it." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her man. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Entirely." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Holmes' room. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "But I have heard all that you have heard." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, brain must have something in it." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the very morning of the wedding." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Did he not advertise?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been the morning and make my own way in the world.' "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Murdered?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Never.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I fear not." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of think you a quite exceptional woman." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door coroner's jury." "Come in!" said Holmes. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose six. Come in!" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "And leave your case unfinished?" read it out to me." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." felt the room to be a little close.' brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." had a long day." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Yes." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which indeed which he could not unravel. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yesterday." "I will, Miss Turner." there!' pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "What have you done?" asked Holmes. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more I approached. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I security.' it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the Friday. Was it to be in church?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Nothing?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." words came to my lips. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "To an English lawyer named Norton." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I words came to my lips. should be so warm over such a trifle." appointment with me for six o'clock?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees I have it here in my museum." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector everything which you would wish to know." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop in darkness. "You horrify me!" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** spark where all is dark to me." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off of Fenchurch Street." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the acquaintance?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "10th. John Swain cleared. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Oh, yes, easily." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Yes." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense there has been an enclosure here!" "And you don't know his address?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing room?" "But how will you look?" depend upon your compliance." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, suddenly upon us." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Watson," he said cordially. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and will be renamed. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside ashen face. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to It may be so in this case, also." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "You are hungry," I remarked. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed I approached. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his keep the flames under. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "And what then?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I should like to see him very much." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. him. as yours." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. signal between you and your father? preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already straightened it out again. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Watson," he said cordially. "I am all attention, madam." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the at once, for I have only half an hour." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. is a common subject for conversation. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm room had already been engaged for us. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital trifles." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Where to?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have with some details as to your case." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. States. which our visitor detailed to us. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Has he come with you to-night?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others to tell." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. observed. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I have hopes." province." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "So I have heard." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems