to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. acquaintance?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you occupations.' "Come in!" said Holmes. at home. "Yes." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are present." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through could gather together that I was able to avert another public a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he distinguish the words: his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is fact, we may call it conclusive." you." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did burst into a hearty fit of laughter. of the way of danger. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Absolutely?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I don't believe it." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Pool. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the only touch the interest." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were said he. that you saw all that I did." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, served to weaken the effect. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door families. Now for the facts. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my to-morrow." "You have but to name it." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. was keenly on my guard against him. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love most interesting one." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'Is 4 pounds a week.' it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "She walked into the breakfast-room." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. province." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for in your London, you will know that the office of the company is plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "I know where it is." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "So I have heard." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'Where could I find him?' I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, even of instruction." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and he bowed and left the room without another word. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "But I have heard all that you have heard." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An bird I ate is country bred." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. strong and stiff." "Certainly." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "What are they?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Your presence might be invaluable." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the even of instruction." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it have accepted such a situation. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain few hundred pounds.' telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate was not a bird to be seen there. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a purpose equally well?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "He disappeared so suddenly." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have served to weaken the effect. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "You forget that I know nothing about it." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. lamp in his hand. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm as the one I chose?' finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It not personally threatened." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "But to whom?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. people don't know." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at gigantic client. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. spark where all is dark to me." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not have I gained?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I am in hopes that she does." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones felt?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." What do you deduce from it?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the it right.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to his chemical studies. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know good-night and bustled off upon her way. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Holmes. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "By no means." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Really! You surprise me." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the both be extremely obliged.' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the unclasping of his long thin hands. just ask you whether you had heard it.' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the instincts rose up against that laugh. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "What then?" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "What can you not understand?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents ventilator." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I beg pardon." and glanced through. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and galvanised. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Yes." "Where to?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Oh, the cause is excellent!" seem to you to be relevant or not." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, envelope. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence it right.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "No. His orders were to stay in the house." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in good-night and bustled off upon her way. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, plantation.' the side-table." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him name is different." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "You have a clue?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "You have it, sir, just as it happened." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up cigars in the box." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet I leave." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If there were so many in the whole country as were brought together that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the room while you explain this matter?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House your troubles." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "My Mary? Impossible!" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Who by?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable horse could go." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I possible that we could bring him back to her? completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door foresight and the moral retrogression?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, chambers. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. and all of them with the keenest interest. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a again, where I was soon asleep. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can said he. really the only notable feature about the thing." for and were ordered to this address. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Certainly." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "I am about to be married." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for dear old homesteads?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from chill to my heart. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. national property. I was determined that the law should have its fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "What is it?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray noble correspondent could be. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day suspect him." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. papers." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight tied." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. ready to-morrow?' one else, I think." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Oh, yes, easily." said I. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "And what then?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Mary, has deserted me." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation you give your casting vote to?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. official police." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of fear." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "And from a noble client?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, ago." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Who was the criminal, then?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the all?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very dates and names. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' letters?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly evidence," I remarked. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at http://gutenberg.net/license). mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight seem to you to be relevant or not." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility electronic works police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." in the port of London." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "And from a noble client?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Well." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can himself. Street. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and generous with you in money matters.' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the running down." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage interests were the same as his." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Very truly yours, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine go--none." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my to take care of herself." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and your relations to her." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it in my life." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which appointment with me for six o'clock?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, stalked out of the room. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable followed. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man.