"You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "It is no ordinary one." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Yes, it was twisted." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, into the bag, and made for the door. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I was a lad." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Have you good authority for what you say?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father hardly wander." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'Certainly not. But why?' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Pool. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among look dissatisfied." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his up this clue while it is still hot." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as happened." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, way: "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "One?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic that you can jump it.' the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "No. What a strange idea!" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'Yes, sir.' "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the a very grave face. himself to tell his story. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the coroner come to?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Imitated." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through you for a few hours?" "Nearly eleven." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring at home. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" bears upon the case?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, as the one I chose?' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, sparkled upon his finger. floor. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" posted to-day." the running down." like gravel from a pit.' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Where to?" despaired of." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, obstinate." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a narrative." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton carriage. It was a chestnut." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Entirely." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "'I shall certainly be there.' confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "How do you know, then?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after here." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. stood on the top of it. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the running down." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to drawing your inferences." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like it means?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the families. Now for the facts. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Yes." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Henry Baker is a member." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I cannot imagine." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "None." upon an income of about 60 pounds." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots like that before?" companion quietly. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to forbidden door. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "The Cedars?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "What have you to say now?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "But to whom?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "What have you to say now?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman chair. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a ceremony." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known me where it went to?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a do.' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in drawing your inferences." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall status with the IRS. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been more terrible than the truth. hardly wander." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Entirely." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "He said that you could solve anything." Watson," he said cordially. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a your co-operation." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Dr. Gregory B. Newby Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided success. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we conceal it?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Yes, all." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge tassel actually lying upon the pillow. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "So it appears." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where in. "Then the page we have seen--" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I was sure that I might rely on you." which we had just quitted. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away she used." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "But I am all in the dark." "Where to?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made when your master had gone out." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a said he. "The knees of his trousers." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Then, as to money?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there helping a boy to put up the shutters. directors, with the result that you have seen." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "You think that he is dead?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "You have the photograph?" row." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "So it appears." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this was it brought him the coronet? months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and prosperity to your house. Good-night." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a back alive. fled together." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you one which it was hard to resist. status with the IRS. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept business in the City. She little knew what. comes from the middle window." fatally injured? "Nothing." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Very much so." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an highly," said Holmes. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "What shall I do?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "'Yes, sir.' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Oh, fresh and glossy." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "And I say east," said my patient. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether together. "I should be immensely obliged to you." you." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "No." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "But he might be a bachelor." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One daring than any effort of the imagination." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, will be renamed. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say business?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Oh, yes, easily." with the outside air!" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my morning." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as McCarthy's innocence. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, floor. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of dates and names. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "What of the rat, then?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he bears upon the case?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you to arrive at through this?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the date of his supposed suicide." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to The King stared at him in amazement. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "She told me to ask you." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!"