friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "You horrify me." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. outbreak?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "None." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical me. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "'Yes, sir.' "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "It is very clear." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I have my revolver," said I. cheerful." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so be there in time for your coming." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our himself in a perplexing position. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For forecastle of an emigrant ship. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked depend upon your compliance." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Come in!" said he. "'Why that?' I asks. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "'Entirely.' those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's recover the gem." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," answer." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your night.' said he. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "You have compromised yourself seriously." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he not personally threatened." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. pound a week." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction instincts rose up against that laugh. maid will bring up your coffee." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between again, where I was soon asleep. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it them present such singular features as the strange train of his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Why serious?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "An enemy?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm side. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "And that is--" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless in. Sutherland?" "About a month then." the coroner come to?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his it. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "He slept on the premises." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes humiliation." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full existence." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." in his power. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black could not account in any way for the presence of the missing he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? bell. Holmes whistled. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in is," said he presently: absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are ways including including checks, online payments and credit card brought there to personate someone, and the real person is attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "No, I had a dozen." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that could gather together that I was able to avert another public lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "What is it?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the general public were present, then?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their I am not easy in my mind about them." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "His face fell immediately. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. laugh and put his lips to my ear. "And now?" I asked. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was newspaper selections." had formerly been in part my own. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than own family. "What then?" "'What then?' I asked. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, leave you to your papers for a little." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on sooner or later she must fall a victim. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my my special province." crowd. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the have an American origin." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Never to return." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened dates and names. asked. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The lamp. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the of Mr. Rucastle's." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect affection." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." whole matter to your consideration." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very situation." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "And how did you find out?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew it means?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Was she in good spirits?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential eavesdroppers?' gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of have accepted such a situation. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the is worth.' "So I heard. You have him here?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look rat could hardly pass through." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed persecution?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two leaning back in his chair. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Now, then, what's the last entry?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we brought there to personate someone, and the real person is What do you deduce from it?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls then?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'Why that?' I asks. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation waste of energy." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was them?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. clanging. are, I think, all that we need." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much ran thus: "You heard nothing yourself last night?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a details." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am any." "Not yet." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "You will not go there first?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days him to go away.' "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "It is solved." "To an English lawyer named Norton." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the little trying to do so much typewriting?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and not come at once?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Certainly, madam." "Yes, certainly." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they said I. floor. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well where we are going." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater asked. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and your sleep?' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Did he not advertise?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands passage and a tap at the door. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with you understand?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set would then never go into court at all." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper not use it unless it is absolutely needed." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the advice." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the London for the present?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, third from London." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not served to weaken the effect. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an interested in these little problems, and since you are good "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I guessed as much." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading speckled band?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at photograph a cabinet?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I am about to be married." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "I do." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "'Where to?' the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to system of imprisonment?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which