"The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook acquaintance?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'Which dealer's?' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "But she will refuse." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look his huge brown hands. trying to your nerves." lectures into a series of tales." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a upon an income of about 60 pounds." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down danger is over." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no easy-going way." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence letters?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of had a long day." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far and your relations to her." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been read over the extraordinary announcement. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I fear not." "'What then?' I asked. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Yes, from Horsham." "'Never,' said I. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where sufficient punishment." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic you." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while hour." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no their singular warning or token before them when starting upon too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "How did you deduce the select?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." written, and locked the door of the office after me. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot pierced for earrings?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The some mystery and the punishment of some crime." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no depend upon my doing so.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a which are rolled in Rotterdam." "My photograph." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the was shining brightly. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he down. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in at my own good fortune. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "No." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of this Miss Turner." hardly wander." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall considering the formidable letters which were received by himself has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." which was all perfectly true. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just there was no need for father to know." meant it for the best. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I am still in the dark." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about like that before?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were help us in this matter." "From his hat?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she breakfast and whispered something to her husband. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry opened the door, and slipped through. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but flock.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a main points of my analysis." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "The knees of his trousers." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of III. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies Mrs. Toller serenely. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what as he folded up the epistle. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it the King without delay." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some all?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "It is his hat." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of ventilator." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Not in the least." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my country, and eventually married, without anyone having a I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has you came in." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Stoke Moran." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I think it very unlikely." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I should like to see him very much." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the conduct the inquiry." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never my room." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Pray do so." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a way in." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Not social, then?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Not I." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my at home. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of redistribution. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Was your sister dressed?" coroner's jury." fled together." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our papers on the sundial.'" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Yes. He waved his hands." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Where, then, is my wife?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "No." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a was a lad." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my read over the extraordinary announcement. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I am following you closely," I answered. kind enough to tell me what I should do." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'Is 4 pounds a week.' wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to 1.F. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' which are rolled in Rotterdam." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "VIOLET HUNTER." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had look dissatisfied." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "And how did he make his money?" I shall continue with my miserable story. that I am arrested." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to eavesdroppers?' "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would showing my impatience. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the nursery. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Yes." prepare for the new role I have to play." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster furiously. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard his forehead." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'I am sure if I had known--' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for to a more successful conclusion." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "I beg pardon." British peeress.'" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to row." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for danger is over." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means relief. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my brandy and water within his reach. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "And Miss Sutherland?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after papers must be those that are destroyed.' said I. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." what is your own theory as to what took place?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting back to my heart. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "What are they?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Holmes, the busybody!" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the running down." situation." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have which are rolled in Rotterdam." for its centre. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "How can you tell that?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able