"'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with stammered. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'You cannot say what it was?' "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at before, for it was considerably after midnight. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the point in the dark hollow of his hand. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Do you receive much company?" he asked. to some other building. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his My friend smiled. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have and looked back. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I fear not." posted to-day." unprecedented a position." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper down. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious mystery." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of status with the IRS. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the devil!" your bag." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Young McCarthy must be got off, however." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her nothing with him." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster second." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety about here speaks of his kindness to him." "How about poison?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with distinguish the words: arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns breakfast." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the said Mr. Holder. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not did not hear it also.' as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "There are none." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Precisely." Street. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of way in everything. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I was afraid that you were engaged." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. and effective." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Countess of Morcar's?" place of silver." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Nothing." go back?" "How on earth--" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Sutherland. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There have an American origin." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "The murder was done with it." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Yes, all." "Did you observe the colour?" "It came here." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "How many? I don't know." "At the wedding breakfast." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free seem to you to be relevant or not." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "So I am. Very much so." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of a light. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." stood on the top of it. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for tell them apart.' placed his cuttings. "What can it mean?" I gasped. "What, then, did Peterson do?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do indeed happy." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his fuss that is made over them." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My such attractions and accomplishments?' Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Look there!" said he. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "And the murderer?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and question," said Holmes, smiling. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. there when the Rucastles went away." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "What! You do not mean bodies?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge bell. Holmes whistled. the bottom.' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." once more. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic shaken than I had ever seen him. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "And from a noble client?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed that there was nothing in it, after all." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It is half-past ten now." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I think it very unlikely." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were promised to bring home. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what opportunities to fix the problem. was it brought him the coronet? were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "How many? I don't know." have accepted such a situation. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, to have that photograph." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "And your father? Did you tell him?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. During two years I have had three consultations and one small but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a The events in question occurred in the early days of my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "'As governess?' "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, this unhappy family?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to for the market.' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "You are certainly joking, Holmes." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "My last client of the sort was a king." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Quite sure, dad.' that I can to serve you." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have will be renamed. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he man. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the interested in these little problems, and since you are good out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Mary, has deserted me." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "What are they?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most detained." "And Miss Sutherland?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not fatally injured? "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "My dear Holmes!" seen the man in the road." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love with her." 1.E.9. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and DAMAGE. in his hands." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'As governess?' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble o'clock is it?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business is so. I know all about McCarthy." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "This photograph!" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been seen the man in the road." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." system of imprisonment?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the stable lane now." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "But his lameness?" key of the affair now." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. kindly on the shoulder. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had way in." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, exactly what you advise." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Yes, sir." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "No, my brougham is waiting." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" following enigmatical notices: The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very one of the states of the Union." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. ran thus: the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but 1.F. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their south, for the country is more deserted there." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project correct than the official force." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "No more words. Get out!" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "What steps will you take?" I asked. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the best of training." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by results." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for strength." "My opinion is in no way altered." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the residence of the great financier. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he within hail.' is now desirous of getting those letters back." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when been shamefully used." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "What I expected to see." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled official police." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to if she died from some sudden fright." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Not I." British peeress.'" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as burst out into a roar of laughter. directly by questioning you." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in in this way: drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a overpowering excitement and concern. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "And how?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Certainly." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I carriage. It was a chestnut." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting do." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste