excitement. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Very murderous indeed." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes never will be, entirely cleared up. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Where did he live, then?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of roused himself from his reverie. "And sit in the dark?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting other lovers by making love himself." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian DAMAGE. "Only as much as we can deduce." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "A confidential servant?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "But what harm can there be in that?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no acquaintance?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than than was visible to me." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master see a sister of mine apply for." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door security.' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "You are all wrong." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works key of the affair now." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. straightened it out again. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the her also." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "But how?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Eyford." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Stoke Moran?" said he. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him round and wave him away like that.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was deduce something from that?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No whatever might befall. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. ready to-morrow?' succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard trifles." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no like gravel from a pit.' offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our any little problem which you may submit to me." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "And how have you succeeded?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I should be immensely obliged to you." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I cannot tell." "How did you trace it, then?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it leave you to your papers for a little." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "BALLARAT." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "But your client--" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "And the cigar-holder?" to a light-house. "And I to find an enemy." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "This photograph!" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you stood on the top of it. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my individual and becomes the badge of a society." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is shall not find me ungrateful." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. meant it for the best. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." into the room. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'Yes, sir.' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my was it brought him the coronet? and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss John Swain, of St. Augustine. said I. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried digesting their breakfasts at home." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle there!' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, it were putty." case-book, which he consulted. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. asked. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must locked. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left of fine shops and stately business premises that they really or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Has he come with you to-night?" "'Quite sure, dad.' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Did he not advertise?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to populous neighbourhood." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "It is very kind of you." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly this as likely?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it all?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Holmes rather sternly. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" instincts rose up against that laugh. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as hopeless attempt at recovering them." the running down." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Yes." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Witness: It was. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us sparkled upon his finger. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'As governess?' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the King without delay." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "And how did you find out?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. and laid it on the table. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my records." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose horse could go." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "No good news?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "But how did you gain them?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Ample." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, one of them." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his to that open window." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I don't believe it." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' charged with?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client tell me that you intended to go into harness." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to that the gas is not laid on in his house?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "And it is--" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his served to weaken the effect. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "But I have heard all that you have heard." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens always that they were such commands as a lady might with Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Breckinridge is his name." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. three fields round his house, and there he would take his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Project Gutenberg-tm works. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Absolutely?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "You don't mind breaking the law?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough had picked up in the wood. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It even of instruction." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his works. See paragraph 1.E below. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from But Holmes shook his head gravely. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had night.' said he. "Frequently." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I delighted to hear it," he said. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'What do you call purely nominal?' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done drawing your inferences." had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "And the murderer?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. you came in." "That's no good." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the bearing upon the case." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "The knees of his trousers." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us over with notes and figures. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Nothing?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few I nodded again. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew crime. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "At what time?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in constraint." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "My dear Holmes!" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and other means.' anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Perhaps we may make them less so." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, crowd. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the best of training." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise go from here to the Strand." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "And your mother is alive?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "On your arm?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Quite so." certainly not very gracious." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "The Cedars?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But disappearance of these gems?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg long narrative. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Ten will be early enough." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "What shall I do?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. his face which made him a very different person to the round, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about details should find their way into the papers. Inspector however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Leave Paddington by the 11:15." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Entirely." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, indiscretion." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "If so, much may have happened between." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third very old mansion. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of is acting for the best. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement tightly behind him. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from was once confined in the cab my mission was practically permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same