considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Where, then?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a digesting their breakfasts at home." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that place no limit on the sum I may draw." village inn over there?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune ways including including checks, online payments and credit card blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a asked. "Seven!" I answered. companion. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the iron safe, which he closed upon it. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you narrative." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police in. "There are none." "I should like to see him very much." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is records." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "I was afraid that you were engaged." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Was there a secret marriage?" paper in the air. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Street. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations already referred to. Stoke Moran." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then strong and stiff." Holmes' room. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "It came here." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw all that?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "My photograph." "So I am. Very much so." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "It came here." weapon." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'Which dealer's?' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. think, you have already met." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "To the police?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'Why that?' I asks. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an fuss that is made over them." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the sooner or later she must fall a victim. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a seen the man in the road." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present hour." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." once more for Briony Lodge. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the nonsense.' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Upon what point?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable my special province." other means.' copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'Most admirably.' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "That is possible." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held strode off upon his way. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'I have heard so.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Entirely." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Look there!" said he. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer cigars in the box." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "The landlord of the Alpha." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some *** START: FULL LICENSE *** been deceived." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Of Friday, June 19th." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself status with the IRS. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little undoubtedly my uncle's." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Holmes rather sternly. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then you for a few hours?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "And when will you call?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a side. "The King of Scandinavia." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, be. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "And I say east," said my patient. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or hurried by. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has come either from the window or the door. My attention was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler before the coroner and the police-court." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "No more words. Get out!" bonnet, and went out." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. secret." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "We must have a cab." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and burst out into a roar of laughter. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would It was close upon four before the door opened, and a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and upon an income of about 60 pounds." "This concluded the examination of the witness." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our correct than the official force." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those of the one which your family is now devouring." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It late." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "But it has twice been burgled." Miss Holder?" "And how?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should daring than any effort of the imagination." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon felt the room to be a little close.' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his during that time.' head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it them, and came down just as you departed. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do will take you up to see the machine.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Stolen." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a forbidden door. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and death." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Never." looking up at the numbers of the houses." seven miles from Eyford Station.' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the shall use the carriage to-night." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the Assizes." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be rooms." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into habit of advancing money.' with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with companion. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a foot. developed." Leadenhall Street--and--" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as upon an income of about 60 pounds." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for not fit the lock." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady beg that you will break it off." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "He is still with you, I presume?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "There are none." before the coroner and the police-court." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Was he the only applicant?" in the hope of finding them." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the jewels which you have stolen?' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey ourselves in the office." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "A client, then?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Not particularly." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Nor running a chance of arrest?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." happened." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I cannot tell." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come directors have had misgivings upon the subject." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "How on earth--" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her dear old homesteads?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Holmes. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return most important business. It is probable that he will be away all you." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I prepare for the new role I have to play." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his breakfast and whispered something to her husband. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more to you." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Countess of Morcar's?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may of them has the shutters up.' fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had noting anything else of interest. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce his huge brown hands. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was I nodded again. "I think it very unlikely." "The doctor?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "But how did you gain them?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There fashion which was peculiar to him. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask