"'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was in a very precise fashion." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern my little problems." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Yes, from Horsham." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Who was the criminal, then?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "By all means." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "So I heard. You have him here?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper who was a member of your goose club." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "How about poison?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove whole matter to your consideration." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Witness: It was. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his bird of prey. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of side. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'I shall certainly be there.' "I cannot imagine." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to to a light-house. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest have accepted such a situation. appeared upon the scene." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs instituted." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "No. What a strange idea!" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Precisely." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "What can you not understand?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But our word." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the flock.' bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "In San Francisco, a year ago." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Has he come with you to-night?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of depend upon your compliance." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, compunction about shooting them down." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Heh?' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "It is possible." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into may never be exposed to such a temptation." instincts rose up against that laugh. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole crime." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by following enigmatical notices: more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah strong reason behind." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your straighten it?" that he will be back before evening." "And for present expenses?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in gone. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a trying to your nerves." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little test if we have an answer to our advertisement." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such hands. "Yes, he did." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. national property. I was determined that the law should have its in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a fashion which was peculiar to him. call for it in person on Monday morning.' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. States. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, of them has the shutters up.' air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, chambers. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" ready to-morrow?' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "It is a murder, then?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I know where it is." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Yes, it would be as well." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so searched, without anything being found which could incriminate had no one to advise her at such a crisis." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and weapon." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Yes, the wine-cellar." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. remarked. these bleak autumnal evenings." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you one or two very singular points about this room. For example, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than you found me to-night--and running through the front room she values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or again, where I was soon asleep. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a she used." in the port of London." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of some water from a caraffe. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every directors, with the result that you have seen." "But who is he?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This not, dad?" she asked. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in arrangements." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. together. "At what time?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been so far?" Watson," he said cordially. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Quite so." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "About a month then." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean in the dead of the night?' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Clair, of Lee." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked burst out into a roar of laughter. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he this poor creature." pound a week." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. from the brougham. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the chair. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that obstinate." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'Certainly,' I answered. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, as he folded up the epistle. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because His name is Francis Prosper." "Witness: I must still refuse. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a chair. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "What are they?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four it? Did I buy the geese off you?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Breckinridge is his name." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he problems help me to do so." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" strong reason behind." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the straightened it out again. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, asked. handed it to him. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of indiscretion." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in himself. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It is very kind of you." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, room?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door third from London." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Holmes." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, brandy and water within his reach. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "And how in the world did you find them?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Not social, then?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a what I may call a really hard day's work." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round of your young ladies.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, all that?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'Never,' said I. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was walking." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I shall most certainly do so." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with brain must have something in it." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass will be renamed. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and recover the gem." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. money should be paid at once.' "'Which dealer's?' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are it means?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and true." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing peculiar to him. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of prepare for the new role I have to play." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, a monotonous occupation." where we are going." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while His smile broadened. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place flock.' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be