desk. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "VIOLET HUNTER." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "What is it?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "What have you to say now?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "That is possible." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. had died away into the silence from which it rose. leave you to your papers for a little." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "It goes to the housekeeper's room." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Will you go?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "When did she vanish, then?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." already referred to. "No." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have place, I think that there is good ground to think that the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Edgeware Road. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my too. bare slabs of marble. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Yes." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Mary, has deserted me." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Stolen, then." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." could go. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the help us in this matter." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak guilty parties." "I do." him." London for the present?" if only as a check to my own memory." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': asked. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I cannot think." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "What can you not understand?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Certainly." to a light-house. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped one's self under obligations.' outside. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'Most admirably.' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide with you?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this her also." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, everything which you would wish to know." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. know what is wrong with it.' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming humiliation." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any man. I know him from the photograph." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend some city in a dream. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to foot. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Mary, has deserted me." hands. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And why in hopes?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in not personally threatened." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the stable lane now." and a shock of very red hair. "My dear Holmes!" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "And help." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for more solid." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "That is it on the dressing-table." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into shoulder. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, husband's writing, madam." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It do.' and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since for the market.' the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of had this final quarrel? "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "No." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Never to return." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, most interesting one." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them forecastle of an emigrant ship. must compliment you." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was foresight and the moral retrogression?" it. that, and I came down." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Holmes. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try corner of the building. distinguish the words: as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the bedroom door." ordinary clothes on?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but face and glided from the room. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew that you wished to speak to me?' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid at my remark. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "In San Francisco, a year ago." photograph?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." suspect him." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. thirty. of Fenchurch Street." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. heavy and sharp instrument." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a when your master had gone out." "What office?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "And Miss Sutherland?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Then you may be so with me." in the dead of the night?' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. carried out of court." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "You horrify me." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with young Openshaw's." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She I nodded to show that I had heard. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "No, I am descending." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Thank you. And your address?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that gone before you can get him to hospital." "It must be recovered." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is skylight. weapon." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove cup of tea. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project front of me. at once, for I have only half an hour." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Bought." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Yes." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in one or two places in England?' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it 'I should be able to look after that for you.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Nearly eleven." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter do you make of it all?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and mysterious business." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my where she found matters as described by the last witness. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." but preventing her from injuring another. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even upon the white wrist. which our visitor detailed to us. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is companion. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance three fields round his house, and there he would take his papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "And now?" I asked. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never made his money." presented more singular features than that which was associated breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "You have the photograph?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the upon an income of about 60 pounds." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Nothing." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "What, then, did Peterson do?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I assure you that I am in your hands." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," in a friendly supper." and the colonel ushered me in. residence of the great financier. mystery may be cleared along those lines." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Yes, there are nearly always some there." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and standing smiling on the door-step. families. Now for the facts. obstinate." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Cross for the Continent." "Did he not advertise?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" pictures, libraries, or plate. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "So it appears." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone call the police, let the police find what they can.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." had died away into the silence from which it rose. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Where, indeed?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Yes." visitors." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and colonel looking down at me. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Street. important." dates and names. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "But what will you do?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my trying to your nerves." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "But you can know nothing of this?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "How about poison?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's without a word or a look. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. occurred." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "No." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his strength in the others." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "'You doubt its value?' he asked. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "So it appears." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. know what is wrong with it.' "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. it right.' "What! a murderous attack?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." true." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News,