of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a written, and locked the door of the office after me. appeal." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Yes." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique once more to my work. thin legs towards the fire. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Yes, at the mines." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that you wished to speak to me?' that there was nothing in it, after all." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled wedding?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for security.' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Nothing?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a detained." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to of Fenchurch Street." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'Yes.' fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. companion. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "I was mad--insane." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with my room." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his flock.' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "My opinion is in no way altered." "What then?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have down. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, amused." "Dark enough and sinister enough." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "At the wedding breakfast." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the papers on the sundial.'" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, crime. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his you give your casting vote to?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the electronic works "It's nothing of the kind." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the stones. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Heh?' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time http://gutenberg.net/license). is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "'Ten to two.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of II. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the I shall communicate with you." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with in one or two places in England?' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Then how many are there?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the fact, we may call it conclusive." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as chamber." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "What?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "No, thank goodness, she did not." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the outsides of the windows. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'I have heard so.' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the driver. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Her father is very rich?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or beyond words. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Your presence might be invaluable." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'I have heard so.' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Very murderous indeed." "My stepfather's business papers." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "No." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest of the one which your family is now devouring." shaken than I had ever seen him. "Have you her photograph?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Where, then?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping on in his house." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Leadenhall Street--and--" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "You have a clue?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of were unconscious?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared meant." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Not social, then?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin passage and a tap at the door. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." within hail.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Yes?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" mystery." laugh and put his lips to my ear. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give you want, then?' supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day standing smiling on the door-step. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. train.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in third from London." seen the man in the road." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with hands. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I less than 26s. 4d. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "To ruin me." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the little opening for the ventilator is." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Did you become engaged then?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger will find little credit to be gained out of this case." that?' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not place no limit on the sum I may draw." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to a little more before I quite committed myself. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is writer." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the south-west, I see." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Dr. Gregory B. Newby wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "And that is--" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and no precautions can guard against." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him you for a few hours?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, invisible to me," I remarked. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." hard-headed British jury." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "What of the rat, then?" highroad, where all traces were lost. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "And help." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Just look it up, then." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience best detective that ever lived. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "You have but to name it." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the roused himself from his reverie. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as asked with his eyes open. "It is half-past ten now." "He is dead," cried several voices. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used figure." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head shall not find me ungrateful." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal like gravel from a pit.' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." were new raised from a basin. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the just called myself is not exactly my own." "Dark enough and sinister enough." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble absorbing." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The time." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little extraordinary contortions. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I cannot tell." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away was a perfect sample of the class. that?' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," was it brought him the coronet? horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Where did he live, then?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously details." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must think that any burglar could have done. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fear." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." words came to my lips. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the newspaper selections." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the populous neighbourhood." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By clanging. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each to tell." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "But you have hopes?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the to that open window." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such hand, madam?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying never to learn it at all." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "By no means." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who