And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are lectures into a series of tales." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for wanted for ourselves." I shall continue with my miserable story. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it III. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a of campaign. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he relation between them, and what the object of his repeated tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon about here speaks of his kindness to him." enough to aid us in our search." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'Yes.' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging what is your own theory as to what took place?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard hour." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I cannot think." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Stoke Moran?" said he. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Yes." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "'Entirely.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Yes, it would be as well." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace seem to you to be relevant or not." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Whose house is it?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left words came to my lips. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "No, I am descending." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter bedroom door." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on his knees, staring into the fire. opened the door, and slipped through. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who you in your example." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "His face fell immediately. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" awaited us upon the table. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Do you go out much in society?" acquaintance?" straightened it out again. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Seven!" I answered. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "None. Neville wrote those words." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from then?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, himself to tell his story. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and capable of preserving a secret.' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is October 9, 1890. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Holmes' face clouded over. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. passage and a tap at the door. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary place, I think that there is good ground to think that the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly place no limit on the sum I may draw." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a II. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking have not had my rubber." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "And it is--" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the cost them two and thirty pounds." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to of." it right.' reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Of Friday, June 19th." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the with you?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Stolen, then." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your said I. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the said he at last. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." which it had come upon my father." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I thin legs towards the fire. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case depend upon my doing so.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed indeed which he could not unravel. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that once more to my work. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Frequently." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. look dissatisfied." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "But what is it you wish?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Entirely." acquaintance?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Not in a good cause." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Thank you. And your address?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I will not look." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "No good news?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Well, it is a possible supposition." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that closely." "Perfectly so." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own wedding?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to where she found matters as described by the last witness. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland not come at once?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin that I can to serve you." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I should like to see him very much." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Frequently." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in one or two places in England?' enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Of what day?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Texas, I think." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. passage and a tap at the door. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in she to prove their authenticity?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' crime." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "In answer to an advertisement." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." murdered man." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in results." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little how narrow had been my escape. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Who was the criminal, then?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers stammered. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." the ceiling. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who meant it for the best. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. to take care of herself." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "And the murderer?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both of Mr. Rucastle's." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Yes, he did." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "How did he come?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't shoulder; "he's all right." Serpentine Avenue. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend My friend smiled. this Miss Turner." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of go from here to the Strand." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me from you?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves third from London." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' little adventures." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, woven round him. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "What can you not understand?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "And how did you find out?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave morning." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "What do you make of that, Watson?" whatever might befall. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." dates and names. "And now?" He raised his hand. obstinate." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both writers could invent nothing more crude." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation You want to know what became of those geese?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with it." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "None. Neville wrote those words." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, putting in the horse. walking." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, anything to do with the matter?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Does that suggest anything?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was case-book, which he consulted. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss views." was used.' one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And what did you learn from him?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "But how?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a go back?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to security.' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Was your sister dressed?" McCarthy." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the one's self under obligations.' It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It must be recovered." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at I nodded to show that I had heard. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of to-morrow." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and the whole place is in a blaze." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I cannot think." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no