been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, time." the warnings." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'Yes, sir.' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the station." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "And you can do nothing until then?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the infinite languor in his face. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a occurred." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "The knees of his trousers." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Breckinridge is his name." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "But the mystery?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Never." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "What, then, did Peterson do?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I since then to throw any light upon what became of him." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Where is it, then?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "But you can know nothing of this?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which derbies." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief have one." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Your French gold?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Ten will be early enough." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, that threaten you." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Sholtos." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, carriage. It was a chestnut." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "'Tell me all about it,' said I. waste of energy." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among that?' "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she fire. You quite follow me?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." will not take me long to tell. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was one of the states of the Union." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and in his hands." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the keep the flames under. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive do.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation simple cases which are so extremely difficult." been shamefully used." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, answered with a sidelong glance. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment presented more singular features than that which was associated arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel a few minutes he said that it would be all right. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" question," said Holmes, smiling. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the answered with a sidelong glance. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at some water from a caraffe. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips tail." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Frequently." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass helping a boy to put up the shutters. rose-bushes. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "But you have hopes?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my test if we have an answer to our advertisement." wedding?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the that he will be back before evening." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have cheerful." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it once more. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, she might be summoned. peculiar to him. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the know what is wrong with it.' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by maiden herself was most instructive." "What! You do not mean bodies?" "But she will refuse." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the nursery. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. 1.E.9. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or indeed happy." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Nearly eleven." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted daring than any effort of the imagination." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with congratulate you again." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a hour." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my do.' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Tired-looking or fresh?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Where did you address your letters, then?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "It missed him, then?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking had this final quarrel? takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that I approached. "Nothing." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Sutherland?" could go. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'Oh, no.' "Yes." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her of the one which your family is now devouring." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his locked. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "If so, much may have happened between." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "A confidential servant?" rooms." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that morning." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So see a sister of mine apply for." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons is four-and-twenty." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Thank you. And your address?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination is now desirous of getting those letters back." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the coronet at all injured?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden eavesdroppers?' "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of foresight and the moral retrogression?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' affair. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the bill, which interests me deeply." "From his hat?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it are windows in it, of course?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project newspaper selections." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I sneer upon his pale face. and laid it on the table. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you outside. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "The doctor?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Stolen." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we in the hope of finding them." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never http://gutenberg.net/license). "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, The summons was a brief and urgent one. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Certainly." "Come in!" said he. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "What shall I do?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "One?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "But how?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was make me his representative both with the servants and with the with the outside air!" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I in. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you when you have done it." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become