dates and names. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Only as much as we can deduce." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Well, but China?" of Fenchurch Street." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to me where it went to?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'A dozen yards or so.' there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I emerged. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed which should have the effect of calling the attention of the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side at once, for I have only half an hour." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should The King stared at him in amazement. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It cheerful." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "We have tried and failed." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some will he say when he returns?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite eat it." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "She told me to ask you." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the you." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off bare slabs of marble. nonsense.' A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Yes, sir." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "It missed him, then?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a again." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Awake, Watson?" he asked. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and helping a boy to put up the shutters. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. true." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Could he throw no light?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband more terrible than the truth. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and during that time.' whereabouts. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you will be renamed. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' events, Mr. Windibank!" to talk it over. States. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "You think that he is dead?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "To ruin me." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I cannot think." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Yes, from Horsham." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the child." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and the colonel ushered me in. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the like that before?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So friends, not even his own brother. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Stoke Moran?" said he. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and you came in." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were any more." "Have you her photograph?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed suspect him." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "I am armed." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "You don't mind breaking the law?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the held up the lantern and gazed about him. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for murdered man." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "It is half-past ten now." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Not in a good cause." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Of Friday, June 19th." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the matter?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the come either from the window or the door. My attention was provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the best of training." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled points in connection with it which never have been, and probably desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent gone. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "And I." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in shall not find me ungrateful." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your drove away. into the bag, and made for the door. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the photograph?" wanted for ourselves." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I would pay ten." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to-morrow." jewels which you have stolen?' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "But I am all in the dark." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. I leave." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not together. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Whose house is it?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the room while you explain this matter?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should colour had been driven from his face. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been thin legs towards the fire. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Did your wife hear all this?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With strong reason behind." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. your only hope of safety." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am man. I know him from the photograph." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable colour had been driven from his face. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the one as in the other." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with of the vacancies.' to arrive at through this?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. ashen face. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Pray do so." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of so.' Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the to have that photograph." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "What are they?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass go back?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped me. You must get home instantly and act." tightly behind him. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that affection." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "You are all wrong." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking ordinary clothes on?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's this man was intellectual?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls you understand?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and observed. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. everything which you would wish to know." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that very old mansion. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Then you may be so with me." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the iron safe, which he closed upon it. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was paper in the air. placed his cuttings. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I will, Miss Turner." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be asked. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. handed it to him. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the I. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry lumber-room." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "How about poison?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "His face fell immediately. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Your sister is dead, then?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and was already answered. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Not social, then?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very attention." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any place of silver." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, away to you." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must was lame." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I am following you closely," I answered. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw make me his representative both with the servants and with the "And how did he make his money?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "And it is--" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "But how will you look?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "That is easily got." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't guilty one." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to public press." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Proceed, then." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold