examination of the premises, but without finding anything which friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I your troubles." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. For additional contact information: "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of any more." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Leave Paddington by the 11:15." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in call it cruel." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread with some details as to your case." them?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "And who is her maid?" "No sign of it?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others nothing of it?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an 'I should be able to look after that for you.' sneer upon his pale face. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no unprecedented a position." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The how narrow had been my escape. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out you?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss closely." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand of this gang." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the had this final quarrel? "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "We must have a cab." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "The Cedars?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America head. So long, then!" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "ARAT," I read. was shining brightly. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "My stepfather's business papers." "And for present expenses?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Deserted you?" must compliment you." nothing of it?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' exactly what you advise." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "You have the photograph?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "What have you to say now?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Quite so." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps ready to-morrow?' have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the best of training." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Did you become engaged then?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property recover the gem." peculiar to him. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously may have an influence upon European history." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little to take care of herself." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Indeed! Whose, then?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Did he not advertise?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "A confidential servant?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some or other trace. But how on earth--" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, showing my impatience. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "One horse?" interjected Holmes. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for The note was undated, and without either signature or address. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And did you observe any change in her then?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. you, my dear young lady?' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that will take you up to see the machine.' "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. these bleak autumnal evenings." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly interests were the same as his." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came chance." wanted for ourselves." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second lumber-room." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'It is locked up,' I answered. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Certainly." dramatic, in fact." nonsense.' he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up behind me. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the society." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must redistribution. had formerly been in part my own. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "A call for help, you thought?" "Who by?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'Stolen!' he cried. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "It is his hat." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Ha! you find it so?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my get the tickets." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, letters?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Nothing?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." and no precautions can guard against." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Oh, no.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Why serious?" house for five minutes.' "In San Francisco, a year ago." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman get her out of the way." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "How did you deduce the select?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "That is it on the dressing-table." "But your client--" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." about here speaks of his kindness to him." acted in my house last night?" "How did you trace it, then?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. for and were ordered to this address. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. are, and they are waiting for us." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Eh? What was that?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "No, I had a dozen." light and attacked it." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Just look it up, then." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "The King of Scandinavia." friend's singular character. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and up this clue while it is still hot." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was new acquaintance to Baker Street. "And how?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the driver. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the and wait." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very ways of our fellow-men." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "The vanishing of the lady." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Holmes' room. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Certainly." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in be best to do. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I have my revolver," said I. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb seven miles from Eyford Station.' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his second window is the one that I jumped from." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "What do you mean?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she yards of it?' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." hard-headed British jury." "Yes, it was twisted." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he delighted to hear it," he said. "And you thought he was pulled back?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land strength in the others." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an fat-encircled eyes. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'What, the red-headed man?' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can really the only notable feature about the thing." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, 11:15.' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the is four-and-twenty." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Not yet." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy following enigmatical notices: the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" never will be, entirely cleared up. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' must be when I saw the door open.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Where, then, is my wife?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." comes from the middle window." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She of the one which your family is now devouring." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black crime. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." golden eyeglasses. shall use the carriage to-night." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular she might be summoned. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious is four-and-twenty." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. here." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "To ruin me." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "About a month then." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "'Never,' said I. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Where does the thing come from?' "Not I." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia to have that photograph." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded during that time.' said I. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so stammered. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "It must be recovered." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might