eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" skylight. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Leadenhall Street--and--" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "But what is it you wish?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you became a certainty. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations shoulder; "he's all right." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to It may be so in this case, also." said I. little adventures." your only hope of safety." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Witness: Nothing definite. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you tension within him. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It her also." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'About the same.' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and capable of preserving a secret.' standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'I have heard so.' better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "It's nothing of the kind." "Married! When?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" important." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I came to find a friend." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe must compliment you." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home are windows in it, of course?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace carriage. It was a chestnut." "By no means." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'I have already given you my word.' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of to-night." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "And did you observe any change in her then?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Why, it's a dummy," said he. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would examination of the premises, but without finding anything which round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been visitors." "It must be recovered." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box to take care of herself." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking was keenly on my guard against him. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of wall." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. do.' "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "About a month then." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from not use it unless it is absolutely needed." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I will, Miss Turner." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "We must have a cab." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it more terrible than the truth. brandy and water within his reach. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "ARAT," I read. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, forehead. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Have you her photograph?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you sit on the left-hand side of the driver." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Never to return." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a call the police, let the police find what they can.' like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Never." purpose equally well?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper presented more singular features than that which was associated wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And I say east," said my patient. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly intimate personal affairs in this public manner." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. your room." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "It is a murder, then?" straighten it?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when your bag." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our detained." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between be sorry for having acted so harshly." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found DAMAGE. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Did you observe the colour?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and effective." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United locked. in one or two places in England?' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in http://gutenberg.net/license). gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Nothing?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, dramatic, in fact." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I within hail.' said Mr. Holder. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, have been better. It is all right." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "And you can do nothing until then?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "I am to be neutral?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you overpowering excitement and concern. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "VIOLET HUNTER." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her someone who had been in Australia." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by congenial hunt. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That been lifted and conveyed somewhere." public press." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door individual and becomes the badge of a society." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Cross for the Continent." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so rose-bushes. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, one of the states of the Union." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Then, as to money?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." was keenly on my guard against him. some terrible trap for her." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning chair. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I beg pardon." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange gbnewby@pglaf.org It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the fashion which was peculiar to him. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His correct than the official force." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out sofa. This way, please!" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the DAMAGE. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my I. "Where did he live, then?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "It came here." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down be.' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some place, I think that there is good ground to think that the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to coat-tails." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as all that?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. them present such singular features as the strange train of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. I held the little printed slip to the light. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, young Openshaw's." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent plantation.' weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And how in the world did you find them?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them presume?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall approach us with offers to donate. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we persecution?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it this unhappy family?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. within hail.' "There are none." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from should be so warm over such a trifle." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the may never be exposed to such a temptation." in his hands." "Nothing?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Come in!" said Holmes. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how upon a handsome competence. over here." companion imperturbably. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet me. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "My dear Holmes!" roused himself from his reverie. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but best detective that ever lived. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or wanted for ourselves." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Eyford." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking