there has been an enclosure here!" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." will be renamed. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Do you know him?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case McCarthy's innocence. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Do you know him?" man. very old mansion. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "She walked into the breakfast-room." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. outside." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." writer." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my matter over." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. signal between you and your father? "What I expected to see." enough to aid us in our search." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with strength of mind to control. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, again, where I was soon asleep. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll business." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of criminal. We have already had experience of such." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending his forehead." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which shoulder; "he's all right." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Pray continue your narrative." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner face and glided from the room. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have an American origin." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' James Windibank. Voilà tout!" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to morning." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the copied or distributed: than to us. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency outside." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the together. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which stammered. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I answered that I had not. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I have my revolver," said I. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "I am all attention, madam." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. to tackle the facts." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Which are?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "The best possible." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, off." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London married her." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "What do you make of that, Watson?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and she to prove their authenticity?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Here?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else drawing your inferences." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is bare slabs of marble. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house ordinary clothes on?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "That is it on the dressing-table." weapon." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I was afraid that you were engaged." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in away to you." "Could he throw no light?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back up this clue while it is still hot." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "To the police?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if opportunities to fix the problem. happened." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I this remarkable episode. "Never." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "What then?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "That is possible." "My own seal." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the mystery may be cleared along those lines." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I This is what he says: our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. fuss that is made over them." over here." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What spare." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that hair?' this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, call you and give you the chance." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I a little more before I quite committed myself. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "And leave your case unfinished?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' point in the dark hollow of his hand. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an bore every mark of being an average commonplace British was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that good for you to do.' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed presented more singular features than that which was associated "Absolutely?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high upon a handsome competence. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I would give my fortune to have them back." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to gigantic client. fat-encircled eyes. sufficient punishment." carried out of court." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing before the coroner and the police-court." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just details." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you I took the paper from him and read as follows: to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Witness: It was. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his do.' creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered power." "Always." "I have come for advice." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered there in twenty minutes." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Watson," he said cordially. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." but preventing her from injuring another. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in him to be an active member of the medical profession." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "'Quite sure, dad.' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Yes, only one." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we towards the blaze. is now desirous of getting those letters back." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "And I to find an enemy." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of to-morrow." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Absolutely none." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'What, the red-headed man?' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Why serious?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "You have a clue?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Not in a good cause." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "And that is--" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was disappearance of these gems?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, been shamefully used." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." chill to my heart. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Then you may entirely rely on me." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you one else, I think." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and night.' said he. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly whether it answered to the description of any of their what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. amused." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" should be so warm over such a trifle." "Certainly." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "'What, the red-headed man?' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her call you and give you the chance." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Has he come with you to-night?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "But how?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both http://www.gutenberg.net "'About the same.' several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Did you become engaged then?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I something of him before." "You are all wrong." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his mysterious business." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "You heard nothing yourself last night?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever is," said he presently: determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy questioning and rather startled gaze. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Have you her photograph?" thirty. them?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the present." chamber." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the nursery. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to whole matter to your consideration." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too mysterious business." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "That is not always so easy." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled records." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and do.' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Do you know him?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit take the flies, but not before." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your lamp in his hand. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and few hundred pounds.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'About the same.' remarked. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Dr. Gregory B. Newby explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." place no limit on the sum I may draw." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn will he say when he returns?"