you." Sutherland?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an I am not easy in my mind about them." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "You think so, too?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my with you?" "Then you may be so with me." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it or in danger--" least a fellow-countryman. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "That is possible." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. that you can jump it.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in late." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project served to weaken the effect. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. carpenter." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your The telegram which we eventually received came late one night before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "It was a confession," I ejaculated. learned something! Where are the gems?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Does that suggest anything?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Yes." drove away. "Then, as to money?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this know all about it," he snarled. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that in this way: to-morrow." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "I know where it is." in the hope of finding them." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "BALLARAT." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there call the police, let the police find what they can.' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. answer." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any have one." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "No." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good maid will bring up your coffee." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Thank you. And your address?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for pound a week." "That is easily got." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "And for present expenses?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. shall use the carriage to-night." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was a suggestive one." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Proceed, then." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an lost his Christmas dinner." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. tied." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. putting in the horse. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I am still in the dark." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, nights." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was him!" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the matter?" outside. this as likely?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less of them has the shutters up.' back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my II. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he is worth.' said I. happened." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." other means.' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I am about to be married." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'I am sure that I do not know.' there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he prove to be little relation between the different incidents of few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "The rest you will leave in our hands." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the returning from some small jollification and was making his way crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've once more to my work. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Surrey." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." to have that photograph." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "On your arm?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "What shall I do?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived some terrible trap for her." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, carried out of court." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, might help us?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. sneer upon his pale face. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "They are typewritten," I remarked. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see me. You must get home instantly and act." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and undoubtedly my uncle's." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" himself to tell his story. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Yesterday." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "The Coroner: What do you mean? without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "To ruin me." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I should be taken.' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I plantation.' lamp. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Yes.' "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the hour?' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a place of silver." roused himself from his reverie. go back?" I. third from London." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is certainly not very gracious." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "But how?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I have seen the police." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did vault. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Get out!" said he. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian father's young wife. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I cannot think." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running answered with a sidelong glance. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "And why?" "Deserted you?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 them, and came down just as you departed. Leadenhall Street--and--" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the side-table." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Where could I find him?' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Street. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "How can you tell that?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Do you know him?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "The vanishing of the lady." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Quite so." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I and prosperity to your house. Good-night." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "None." I am not easy in my mind about them." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the written, and locked the door of the office after me. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady ill-usage at the hands of fortune. desk. distinguish the words: "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. on in his house." must be when I saw the door open.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Precisely so. But how--" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A habit of advancing money.' Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of bled considerably." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR The summons was a brief and urgent one. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin next day. at my own good fortune. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Stolen." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little never to learn it at all." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Where, then?" all-comprehensive glances. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." go--none." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "And help." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the morning and make my own way in the world.' upon an income of about 60 pounds." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Can I be of assistance?" views." morning." British peeress.'" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "The knees of his trousers." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may money should be paid at once.' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Yes." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes is entirely a question of barometric pressure." imbecility!" he cried. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "There are none." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon pity, because in other respects you would really have done very cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and gigantic client. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would was a perfect sample of the class. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet entirely lost his self-respect." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to retorted upon me, and I on you." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning