not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official asked. the roots. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "So I am. Very much so." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or bell. Holmes whistled. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and all of them with the keenest interest. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had help us in this matter." forecastle of an emigrant ship. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she look dissatisfied." situation." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'And what salary do you ask?' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. success. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of relief. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when used to be." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Munro.' "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "My stepfather's business papers." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm were wasted." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His than to us. photograph a cabinet?" washing it down with a long draught of water. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, again on its way. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right without a word or a look. looking up at the numbers of the houses." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say your bag." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Yes." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which furiously. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Chief Executive and Director dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to people don't know." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Just look it up, then." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, ready to-morrow?' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "What is it, then--a fire?" "What are they?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. that?' questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of purpose equally well?" "It is solved." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the corner of the building. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable tightly behind him. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Yes, they were peculiar boots." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he to surprise her." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers call you and give you the chance." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a electronic works clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of is worth.' refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to side. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers should be taken.' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the ago." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great is so. I know all about McCarthy." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and letters?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' this man was intellectual?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom companion. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Whose house is it?" other lovers by making love himself." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "And how?" "No good news?" "No, distinctly professional." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "I will try. What is it?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and laid it on the table. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "No?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual like that before?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler said he, "my real name is James Ryder." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Certainly, madam." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "You think that he is dead?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'It is locked up,' I answered. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Not social, then?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you there was no need for father to know." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It upon the sideboard." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by only touch the interest." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb flock.' the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "But we can't all be." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Witness: I must still refuse. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I answered that I had not. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his business came to an end." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has past. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Yes, but only for you and me." horse could go." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by sake, don't!" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real away into the river." one else, I think." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." but preventing her from injuring another. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I see no marks." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and interest. They are important, you understand, without being When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "And Miss Sutherland?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found chambers. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the upon an income of about 60 pounds." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Nothing?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "So I heard. You have him here?" "In answer to an advertisement." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns bearing upon the case." client, rising. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I beg pardon." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, during that time.' have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked at a side door. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg heavy and sharp instrument." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle strength." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "But he might be a bachelor." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Stoke Moran?" said he. bearing upon the case." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker friend's singular character. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very question you as to those details which seem to me to be most half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to spark where all is dark to me." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I cannot imagine." delirious. "Your French gold?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil instituted." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Dark enough and sinister enough." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf flock.' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other galvanised. and put his glass in his pocket. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to awkward doing business with an alias." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in charged with?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or of it with the greatest attention. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Bought." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Pray continue your narrative." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come south, for the country is more deserted there." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. eat it." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little later, upon the night of May 2nd." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Why? What do you mean?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and wait." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his companion. "Yes, I have one waiting." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and looked back. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice and the colonel ushered me in. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the few hundred pounds.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "It certainly sounds feasible." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "How did you deduce the select?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, than was visible to me." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to up this clue while it is still hot." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "On Monday." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to I. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder.