"It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Holmes rather sternly. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet article?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the papers on the sundial.'" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as congratulate you again." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my should be taken.' whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Yes?" front of me. your sleep?' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "It came here." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Not yet." "Yes, certainly." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you I shall communicate with you." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp have one." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Munro.' "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, to arrive at through this?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, investigation." child?' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Mr. Rucastle's." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an interests were the same as his." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a young Openshaw's." "Stolen, then." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Did you become engaged then?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are leaning back in his chair. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his entirely lost his self-respect." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "But how?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after woven round him. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Yesterday." "By no means." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'It is locked up,' I answered. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. ourselves in the office." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Then you may entirely rely on me." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': lips." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "No, but the enclosure is." me." flock.' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. to some other building. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, papers must be those that are destroyed.' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, been deceived." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined relief. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the man. I know him from the photograph." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, weighed down with some great anxiety. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "A thing like a cleaver," said he. of his shoulders. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. asked. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the that anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared whole matter to your consideration." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Yes, I have one waiting." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit there is a decided draught." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "No." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Yes, he did." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way even so self-evident a thing as that." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Were they all fastened this morning?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and will be renamed. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. which it had come upon my father." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I assure you that I am in your hands." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am question," said Holmes, smiling. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." existence." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "You were travelling in the States?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'You cannot say what it was?' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great clanging. coat-tails." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that for securing the situation." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the for and were ordered to this address. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." his face. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the occupations.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated morning." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might careless servant girl?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can cheerful." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "To an English lawyer named Norton." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove passage and a tap at the door. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Was there a secret marriage?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough than to us. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Pray be precise as to details," said he. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." written. the ceiling. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave existence." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call think that any burglar could have done. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." think that he is innocent?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Yes, I have one waiting." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." was feeling which was the fattest.' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Come in!" said he. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who mysterious business." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no the side-table." "Never." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Stolen!' he cried. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "It was an hour's good drive." you do it in twenty minutes!' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their public press." appeal." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the brain must have something in it." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." tightly behind him. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'Is 4 pounds a week.' power." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year James Windibank. Voilà tout!" nights." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he to Leatherhead. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'What are you doing there?' he asked. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that fatally injured? work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between me." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "It is possible." never to learn it at all." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its ill-usage at the hands of fortune. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and looked back. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' three fields round his house, and there he would take his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me it." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." His smile broadened. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the will be renamed. good-night and bustled off upon her way. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, wife's character?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Ample." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for will be renamed. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "This concluded the examination of the witness." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its purpose equally well?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I have a cab outside." maid will bring up your coffee." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent have one." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at crackling voice. fasten all the windows?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He of the one which your family is now devouring." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and your relations to her." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "And the cigar-holder?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "And that is--" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door eat it." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the running down." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." you want, then?' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" it." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Breckinridge is his name." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we pound a week." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "And did you observe any change in her then?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "But you were on a friendly footing?" http://www.gutenberg.net metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was are, I think, all that we need." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. to surprise her." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Not in the least." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which electronic works them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Not social, then?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. excitement. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "By no means." to-morrow." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous it. me upon any point which I do not make clear." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Sutherland?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and call the police, let the police find what they can.' muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" charged with?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step you in yours." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. chair.