"Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I am still in the dark." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Will you bet, then?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of conclusions. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric companion imperturbably. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I would pay ten." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, it." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. notes," he said. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my giving me time to thank him. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be dead, shall be safe with us." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "At what time?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "How often?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." generous with you in money matters.' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' go from here to the Strand." "But you were on a friendly footing?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "What office?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Yes." "What do you make of that, Watson?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my people in all walks of life. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Countess of Morcar's?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of served to weaken the effect. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "And did you observe any change in her then?" ran thus: subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; keep the flames under. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Were they all fastened this morning?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, one's self under obligations.' appeal." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we have accepted such a situation. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'As governess?' down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "So it appears." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if tension within him. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had is worth.' servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good corner of the building. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Eyford at 11:15.' myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the coronet at all injured?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive washing it down with a long draught of water. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "If I can be of use." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with were wasted." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium man. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and I shall be with you presently." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. clang of the bell. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the breakfast?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Yes." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the my special province." nights." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own The events in question occurred in the early days of my reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Edgeware Road. young Openshaw's." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Did he not advertise?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "That you are never beaten." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE my former friend and companion. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must tell him that I know him to be innocent." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every ventilator." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, to have that photograph." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, himself to hunt down. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point what do you think they found in the pockets?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward test if we have an answer to our advertisement." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than shaken than I had ever seen him. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "It was an hour's good drive." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "But what is it you wish?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a ways of our fellow-men." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'How far from the body?' down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "That also I could fathom." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." quickly through a disagreeable task. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Come in!" said Holmes. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' respectable self." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Well?" "Pray continue your narrative." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "It is very kind of you." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly I shall communicate with you." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin before the coroner and the police-court." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'What, the red-headed man?' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I mystery may be cleared along those lines." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect dramatic, in fact." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of for securing the situation." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was thirty. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and then?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to bears upon the case?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "And how did he make his money?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' our word." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the have I gained?" companion. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any manager. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on definite end. are, and they are waiting for us." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not my little problems." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Where did he live, then?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical key turn in the lock." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the in his power. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate wedding?" "That is possible." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's mystery!" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as knowledge of the world." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and inquire as to the address." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a your equipment. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I assure you that I am in your hands." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this shag which I had seen upon the previous night. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is certainly do as you advise." "It is very kind of you." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "No good news?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I will try. What is it?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Absolutely none." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Very murderous indeed." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no tail." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I was sure that I might rely on you." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the his fortune, and I went back to pa. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for question you as to those details which seem to me to be most most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was DAMAGE. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, me." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with that he has suffered." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Clair, of Lee." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Yes, that is the Crown." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "How are you getting on?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. flock.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "None." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Certainly not.' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Holmes rather sternly. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the Friday. Was it to be in church?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I outbreak?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the him nearly every evening." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** has little to do with my story." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Well, it is a possible supposition." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can have an American origin." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little