it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a felt?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside carpenter." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in again before evening." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think to tackle the facts." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Here?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Pray do so." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done 11:15.' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was said he. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped lost nothing by them." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in himself in a perplexing position. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a cigars in the box." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Street. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a again before evening." unclasping of his long thin hands. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Ha! you find it so?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until certainly not very gracious." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "How can you tell that?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter and have this put in the evening papers." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which question. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I was feeling which was the fattest.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "In what way?" asked Holmes. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Your sister is dead, then?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the pierced for earrings?" "A greater distance to travel." his grey eyes. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "But what is it you wish?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the think that any burglar could have done. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "I am sure." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as conversation I have gathered that they have been married about shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'Most admirably.' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was believe that I should never have any practice at all. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong his cane at the bell-pull. deduce something from that?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the in a friendly supper." the driver. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. laugh and put his lips to my ear. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Do you know him?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "How did that help you?" "'I have heard so.' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The ways of our fellow-men." outbreak?" "I am sure." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day six. Come in!" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, been able to understand it, in a very few words. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." thought that she would have been so carried away." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier so.' to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Do you know him?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "It is half-past ten now." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? are windows in it, of course?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." bled considerably." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "What of the rat, then?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right charged with?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. least a most suspicious remark." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' very old mansion. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to nothing of it?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering my special province." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "That is also quite modern," said the lady. to have been novel and of interest." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the made him keep the appointment." some water from a caraffe. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy it." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "My dear Holmes!" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "And what then?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one south, for the country is more deserted there." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "They are typewritten," I remarked. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to with some details as to your case." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in place of silver." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become humiliation." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any occupations.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, I approached. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to second." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I nice household for a young lady." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "One of the highest in England." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Pope's Court, Fleet Street." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner companion imperturbably. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss note?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Get out!" said he. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge then?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that business." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once that there was nothing in it, after all." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I have a cab outside." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called have got?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away interest. They are important, you understand, without being American. Then who could this American be, and why should he minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Not in the least." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "We were both in the photograph." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "You saw the ventilator, too?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "It is possible." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "I will get her to show me." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Could he throw no light?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the long narrative. During two years I have had three consultations and one small his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about shall use the carriage to-night." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely could not have written that. It is the German who is so it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the roots. DISSOLVED. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big passage and a tap at the door. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark directors, with the result that you have seen." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "How did you deduce the select?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with business at Coburg Square is serious." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there DAMAGE. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I again, where I was soon asleep. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the little opening for the ventilator is." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and looked back. "How many? I don't know." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little ourselves in the office." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and at home. one's self under obligations.' "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "'Quite sure, dad.' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the these bleak autumnal evenings." intrusion of other matters." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Why did you pick him?" were wasted." we went to search for him, face downward in a little comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not despaired of." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the advice." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, arrangements." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with garden below. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism seem to you to be relevant or not." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always burst out into a roar of laughter. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" to you." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "What?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a orange pips. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite stood on the top of it. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Precisely so. But how--" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, tear off another piece?' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their been lifted and conveyed somewhere." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "What can you not understand?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have questioning and rather startled gaze. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And did you observe any change in her then?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt maid will bring up your coffee." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either get the tickets." man. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Not particularly." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Your French gold?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his said Mr. Holder. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "The best possible." "If I can be of use." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as matter." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Certainly." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "From his hat?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. like that before?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as breakfast?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of in one or two places in England?' "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Well?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "'Which dealer's?' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival skylight. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get returned to France?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'Where could I find him?' "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger