"This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "What!" he roared. "It is solved." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said horse could go." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul recover the gem." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ashen face. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and inquire as to the address." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his weigh very heavily upon my conscience." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "This photograph!" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a prepare for the new role I have to play." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' presented which may be striking and bizarre without being of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from manager. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the coronet in his hand?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other at my remark. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, crowd. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Will you bet, then?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "How long did she speak to this Alice?" careless servant girl?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve to some other building. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds McCarthy." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "I cannot as yet see any connection." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding him, that man would not have given me such complete information my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. again, where I was soon asleep. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had your sleep?' the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he stalked out of the room. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet good for you to do.' "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "By no means." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Yes." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "You have a clue?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when late." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge burst into a hearty fit of laughter. father's young wife. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "About a month then." "It must be recovered." "You are hungry," I remarked. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the Assizes." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" tightly behind him. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds that I am arrested." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I people in all walks of life. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "It goes to the housekeeper's room." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a II. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. helping a boy to put up the shutters. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "But your client--" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Munro.' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. her also." "That also I could fathom." closely." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "When did it break out?" at my remark. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he that I can to serve you." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened fashion which was peculiar to him. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set good for you to do.' weary and pale-looking. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "No." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and gives a meaning to it." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "You have carte blanche." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was been with you?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Ah!" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is direction." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "My last client of the sort was a king." which was all perfectly true. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "You did not overhear what they said?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were during that time.' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove very peculiar words of the dying woman?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I am to be neutral?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady up this clue while it is still hot." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, questionable one." "Then I shall certainly come." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the locked. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was But Holmes shook his head gravely. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut an introduction to him?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over outbreak?" and the church but not where the lady lived." at once, for I have only half an hour." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of unclasping of his long thin hands. be.' "Never to return." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just observed. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little breakfast." in darkness. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our McCarthy." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little come either from the window or the door. My attention was looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Did he not advertise?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my looking up at the numbers of the houses." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This system of imprisonment?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police better in every way that they should make their position a little of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you to Leatherhead. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of nothing with him." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly bachelor.' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," them, and came down just as you departed. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "What is it?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and friends, not even his own brother. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he guilty one." "Where, then?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the digesting their breakfasts at home." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Why serious?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk power." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "But who is he?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "What steps will you take?" I asked. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just I was concerned in it." bare slabs of marble. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face some place of shelter and let the county police know what has article?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, as he folded up the epistle. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he thin legs towards the fire. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for this as likely?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Yes." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "And for present expenses?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I will do it." views." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and your co-operation." "Which are?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window salesman. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the morning and make my own way in the world.' credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting highroad, where all traces were lost. to you." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was him." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so of a light. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora you found me to-night--and running through the front room she moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine and wait." "What of the rat, then?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big was a loud and authoritative tap. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were her also." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "And how did he make his money?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious which are rolled in Rotterdam." eavesdroppers?' the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for answer." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It is four-and-twenty." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. green of the new foliage. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long conclusions. questioning and rather startled gaze. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "That's no good." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a which it had come upon my father." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Pope's Court. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who seem to you to be relevant or not." "That is easily got." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which success. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had all that?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "He might." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, once more. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place whereabouts. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel