there were so many in the whole country as were brought together that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce must be when I saw the door open.' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the south-west, I see." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "It must be recovered." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading not interfere, come what may. You understand?" lumber-room." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the But Holmes shook his head gravely. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both quick march!" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of there is a decided draught." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the inner apartment." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'What, the red-headed man?' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may girl said." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Was there a secret marriage?" the room while you explain this matter?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before long narrative. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." that he has suffered." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "But you can know nothing of this?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "You know me, then?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may and the colonel ushered me in. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Upon what point?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." to have been novel and of interest." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Literary Archive Foundation "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "And who is her maid?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I before the coroner and the police-court." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Certainly." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Here?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob have one." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Perfectly so." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I cannot tell." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," hair?' prove to be little relation between the different incidents of suspect him." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again man. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, noble correspondent could be. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting he. "But his lameness?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "'I am sure that I do not know.' possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when observed. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of six. Come in!" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Chief Executive and Director and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Have you it here?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "No?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out shoulder; "he's all right." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "What I expected to see." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of success. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was correct than the official force." what do you think they found in the pockets?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "How do you know, then?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. child?' should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, hurried away. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "By train from Waterloo." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that round and wave him away like that.' fasten all the windows?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came at my own good fortune. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "What I expected to see." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me useful material for showing traces. The double line a little toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Do you receive much company?" he asked. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique I took the paper from him and read as follows: is a common subject for conversation. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I have hopes." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless matter." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which returned to France?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. father's place of business?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, my secret was safe in his possession. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. correct than the official force." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Here?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to my little problems." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to any little problem which you may submit to me." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Certainly." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), or in danger--" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" and the whole place is in a blaze." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Farm upon the left." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to knowledge of the world." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Literary Archive Foundation just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "None." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the driver. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to door?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the best of training." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "'I am sure that I do not know.' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for gone before you can get him to hospital." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he father's place of business?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "One horse?" interjected Holmes. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that written. prepare for the new role I have to play." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "In the cells." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If to that open window." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." keep the flames under. plantation.' "They are typewritten," I remarked. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt again." giving me time to thank him. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Yes." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, his cane at the bell-pull. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "And help." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Pray do so." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his train.' infinite languor in his face. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with License. You must require such a user to return or Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to where he stood hid behind the curtain. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "What office?" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Yes." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I don't believe it." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical I was concerned in it." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the inner apartment." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no said he. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. all?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "And what then?" my secret was safe in his possession. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "ARAT," I read. from you?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "That's no good." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "And how did you find out?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the little opening for the ventilator is." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. rose-bushes. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "She told me to ask you." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the it. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project in the hope of finding them." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "None." "And I to find an enemy." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated was once confined in the cab my mission was practically anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Nothing?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'Is purely nominal.' gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to danger is over." investigation." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, client, rising. is a common subject for conversation. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now has little to do with my story." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "The Cedars?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful place no limit on the sum I may draw." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Where does the thing come from?' dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, power." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the meanly of me." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the passage and a tap at the door. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I have come for advice." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine."