tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was married her." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning occupations.' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. here and I will read it to you: "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his remarked. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Where, then?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have asked with his eyes open. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton better in every way that they should make their position a little "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Mrs. Toller serenely. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Stoke Moran?" said he. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Holmes' face clouded over. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said appeared upon the scene." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "How did you trace it, then?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" 1.F. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it flock.' what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you about. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. been able to understand it, in a very few words. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off your sleep?' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "10th. John Swain cleared. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Could he throw no light?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the loss of it. more solid." "None." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has I. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' papers diligently of late, have you not?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the you." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Eh? What was that?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Seven!" I answered. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands cheerful." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I your sleep?' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here said he. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains During two years I have had three consultations and one small should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of business." your room." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years most interesting one." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Serpentine Avenue. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my should be taken.' realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the one as in the other." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a gone. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have even of instruction." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being that you saw all that I did." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold giving me time to thank him. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "What are they?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but gbnewby@pglaf.org "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Is he quiet?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand it." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Perhaps I have." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. that, and I came down." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such prepare for the new role I have to play." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of emerged. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made father's young wife. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at touch that coronet?' the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. what these perils are?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Then how many are there?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "But you would not advise me to refuse?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William was shining brightly. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat leave you to your papers for a little." "But I have heard all that you have heard." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Witness: It was. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Where, then, is my wife?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, said I. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was were wasted." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I should be immensely obliged to you." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very guilty parties." "Have you her photograph?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "What will you do, then?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you wife's character?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "My Mary? Impossible!" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to went to the Alpha were town bred." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such depend upon my doing so.' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the which was all perfectly true. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Whose house is it?" there when the Rucastles went away." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'As governess?' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming his wife has ceased to love him." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; to change my dress. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What man. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Yes, only one." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." it means?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, window when the police appeared." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Her father is very rich?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Do you go out much in society?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "But I am all in the dark." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Witness: It was. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." I nodded again. "Yes, I have one waiting." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very intimate personal affairs in this public manner." be sorry for having acted so harshly." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Yes." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The believe that I should never have any practice at all. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "And I." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with outbreak?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence later, upon the night of May 2nd." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Quite so." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "None." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what into the room. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "The gentleman I describe." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "No good news?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, past. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "You are certainly joking, Holmes." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'Where could I find him?' "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Edgeware Road. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either fat-encircled eyes. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I guessed as much." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "When did it break out?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. it." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to could go. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Yes." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "In San Francisco, a year ago." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "There is the writing." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Precisely so. But how--" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly him nearly every evening." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "How did you deduce the select?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The wanted for ourselves." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it on re-entering her father's house?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had events than those which have happened in my own family." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. sneer upon his pale face. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "You know me, then?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right never came back." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a call it cruel." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "What office?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place down. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. writer." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One