behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the was not a bird to be seen there. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual skylight. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "How did you deduce the select?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "And why in hopes?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of here." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Where does the thing come from?' all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that note?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop derbies." that you saw all that I did." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: late." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "This photograph!" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit married her." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country as yours." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "No, I had a dozen." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, During two years I have had three consultations and one small hurried away. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" your co-operation." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had that "My dear Holmes!" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their depend upon your compliance." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it out of this horrible affair." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, place of silver." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "You did not overhear what they said?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "And I to find an enemy." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "That is unusual in a young girl." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the in this way: again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, drawing your inferences." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, whole matter to your consideration." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." you?' His smile broadened. purpose equally well?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age again." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "How about poison?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a paper in the air. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation murdered man." his cane at the bell-pull. happened." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "He slept on the premises." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "No, I am descending." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, be there in time for your coming." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my that there was nothing in it, after all." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. help us in this matter." the running down." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he father's young wife. "Then the page we have seen--" existence." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "How did that help you?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the King without delay." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the and laid it on the table. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the long narrative. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter been." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself examine." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "I should wish to." the stable lane now." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless such person." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have character. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "But you would not advise me to refuse?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their that?' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "No legal papers or certificates?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Have you good authority for what you say?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he present." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "But your client--" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is advice." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by light and attacked it." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Leadenhall Street--and--" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, both be extremely obliged.' send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a gone. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of as the one I chose?' wedding?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself and I shall be with you presently." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" detained." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Chief Executive and Director came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'About the same.' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their instincts rose up against that laugh. me have 200 pounds?' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought take the flies, but not before." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. even so self-evident a thing as that." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. there was no need for father to know." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Well, some hundreds of times." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the said he. "Then how many are there?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in generous with you in money matters.' "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "How did you deduce the select?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "And Miss Sutherland?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "'And the work?' science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his constraint." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "What, then, did Peterson do?" said he. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this room. "Where to?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "So I have heard." discontent upon his features. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "You think that he is dead?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have indeed happy." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, you." said Mr. Holder. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some not, dad?" she asked. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of became a certainty. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought thirty. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to my secret was safe in his possession. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the way in everything. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Game for a morning drive?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They guilty parties." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the certainly do as you advise." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle papers diligently of late, have you not?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I cannot tell." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the child." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his evidence," I remarked. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "He slept on the premises." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Yes." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'I shall certainly be there.' "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me looking up at the numbers of the houses." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I me where it went to?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the the matter?" "'Yes, sir.' "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I will try. What is it?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "And when will you call?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary who was a member of your goose club." criminal. We have already had experience of such." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke it were putty." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the stones. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "We were both in the photograph." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! things are very often connected not with the larger but with the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." had this final quarrel? really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never that he has suffered." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to what do you think they found in the pockets?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they my friend's incisive reasoning. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with examination of the premises, but without finding anything which delighted to hear it," he said. beg that you will break it off." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "The best possible." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" that he has suffered." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "What can it mean?" I gasped. done what I asked you, Jones?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I in this note: he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to stalked out of the room. ready to-morrow?' "Frequently." you?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this matters immensely." my secret was safe in his possession. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. roused himself from his reverie. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." may never be exposed to such a temptation." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my noting anything else of interest. "Yes." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, read over the extraordinary announcement. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I was afraid that you were engaged." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, acquaintance?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from had this final quarrel? "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." him, that man would not have given me such complete information safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?"