My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "They are typewritten," I remarked. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that wedding?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged a monotonous occupation." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a prepare for the new role I have to play." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "It must be recovered." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My him." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There himself. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I am all attention, madam." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the inner apartment." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "No. What a strange idea!" for the market.' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "You think so, too?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase of the way of danger. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Here?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "And I." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. so far?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation fear." fishes. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My people in all walks of life. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'Entirely.' "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "My Mary? Impossible!" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'Never.' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, business matters.' "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger The events in question occurred in the early days of my does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "None." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Come in!" said Holmes. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down name is different." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Where could I find him?' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "No?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of look upon these things in a different way." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "You know me, then?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an written, and locked the door of the office after me. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence wedding?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "How did you deduce the select?" the dangers which encompass me." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through once more on the important position which you have been fortunate same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were hour?' chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this noting anything else of interest. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "And your mother is alive?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all side. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. client, rising. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel hands. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure said Mr. Holder. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "'Entirely.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional just ask you whether you had heard it.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Yes, from Horsham." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his conceal it?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes placed his cuttings. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Then I do not see the point." tapping his fingers upon the table. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the back into the street. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. I took the paper from him and read as follows: penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the that he will be back before evening." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed him." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for golden eyeglasses. writer." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Do you go out much in society?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was carpenter." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the bed, and you in that chair." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told silent! Oh, he will be silent!' ways including including checks, online payments and credit card He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Serpentine Avenue. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to do.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if as noiselessly as she had come. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Your sister is dead, then?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Only as much as we can deduce." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is them, and came down just as you departed. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did and looked back. "My last client of the sort was a king." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would new acquaintance to Baker Street. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about quite distinctive." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days nonsense.' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Sholtos." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own simple cases which are so extremely difficult." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at examination of the premises, but without finding anything which his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Witness: It was. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of over part of the map. "What do you read?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found go from here to the Strand." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." felt the room to be a little close.' to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "My dear Holmes!" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'What do you call purely nominal?' 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the me have 200 pounds?' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I would give my fortune to have them back." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent of your young ladies.' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they morning." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I say that I have solved it." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each might have a private word with us. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, questioning and rather startled gaze. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole fashion which was peculiar to him. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of there when the Rucastles went away." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being have established a very serious case against the son of the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that from the brougham. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told him!" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. clang of the bell. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. appeal." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here little trying to do so much typewriting?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was appeared upon the scene." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling peculiar to him. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this yourselves in at night?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather your own bird, so if you wish--" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "But you can know nothing of this?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat residence of the great financier. without a word or a look. that he will be back before evening." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the loss of it. "And from a noble client?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "I cannot think." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in electronic works before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, was keenly on my guard against him. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all third from London." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." bell. Holmes whistled. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "And leave your case unfinished?" Countess of Morcar's?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge this truth that in these little records of our cases which you you?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive himself in a perplexing position. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly man. "I fear not." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation works. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Leadenhall Street--and--" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a daring than any effort of the imagination." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar.