think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I think it very unlikely." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted you give your casting vote to?" him. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me showing my impatience. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You know me, then?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Who was the criminal, then?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the room while you explain this matter?" wedding?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. through." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I am following you closely," I answered. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes she to prove their authenticity?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said again before evening." learned something! Where are the gems?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social from the brougham. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there she has been waylaid. There has been no result." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can quick march!" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. following enigmatical notices: I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Who by?" "ARAT," I read. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE as he remarks, very much against the son." "Not social, then?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: written. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. business at Coburg Square is serious." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came that you wished to speak to me?' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one outside." status with the IRS. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded You want to know what became of those geese?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of particular state visit http://pglaf.org shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "What do you mean?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious opened a pocket-book and took out a note. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "From his hat?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each better grown goose." of campaign. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it never to learn it at all." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal it." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "You did not overhear what they said?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Arthur Conan Doyle drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the you?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it fatally injured? the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the warnings." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be footfalls from the street. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but province." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Yes." attention." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" correct than the official force." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled be. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place away to you." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "His face fell immediately. if I call to-morrow?" "'I shall certainly be there.' the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "My Mary? Impossible!" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Serpentine Avenue. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a indeed happy." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "'Is 4 pounds a week.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were know that the truth is known." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "10th. John Swain cleared. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was McCarthy's innocence. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its seem to you to be relevant or not." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I see no marks." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Ah!" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "ARAT," I read. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Then what has happened to him?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "And you don't know his address?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I was afraid that you were engaged." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I young Openshaw's." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to once more on the important position which you have been fortunate newspaper selections." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do forehead. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden plantation.' society." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "My dear Holmes!" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "An enemy?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose been." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' all that?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "That is unusual in a young girl." father's young wife. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low once more. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. questionable one." his forehead." highly," said Holmes. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "I think it very unlikely." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Holmes' face clouded over. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'What then?' I asked. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of himself. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' British peeress.'" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. meant." "I cannot tell." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a your bag." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, purpose of examination. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "The vanishing of the lady." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Pool. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Not at all. I only doubt--' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the iron safe, which he closed upon it. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the tell them apart.' be.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in down in his armchair and closing his eyes. congenial hunt. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer arrested. You then--" "I assure you that I am in your hands." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Yes, from Horsham." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same again." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker sake, don't!" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the loss of it. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the devil!" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding morning." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the for securing the situation." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the dangers which encompass me." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "There are none." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a heavily into it. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little hair?' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at of the one which your family is now devouring." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so never to learn it at all." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it own family. any more." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses