"When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "And Miss Sutherland?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the States. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Dirty?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady key of the affair now." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And that is--" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Yes." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before call you and give you the chance." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such fashion which was peculiar to him. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary hurried away. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his nonsense.' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in nothing with him." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Why, it's a dummy," said he. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "It was an hour's good drive." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And what did you learn from him?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "It is very kind of you." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Sutherland?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I cannot as yet see any connection." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch unkempt, staring out at me. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was on in his house." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "May I see it?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'In my own bureau.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself situation." to talk it over. certainly not very gracious." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side on in his house." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Then I can wait in the next room." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not be. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "The Cedars?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some acquaintance?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah breakfast?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Well?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, once more. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." followed. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his papers diligently of late, have you not?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone British peeress.'" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point legal crime." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further corner of the building. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable from you?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Pray do so." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Yes." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an salesman. "But what harm can there be in that?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. this unhappy family?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Only as much as we can deduce." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "The doctor?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." even so self-evident a thing as that." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "But what will you do?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" there is a decided draught." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. roused himself from his reverie. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you simple cases which are so extremely difficult." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or habit of advancing money.' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Yes." Stoke Moran." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here business." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I am about to be married." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Yes, sir." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "I was mad--insane." humiliation." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with had died away into the silence from which it rose. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my other means.' matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of is a common subject for conversation. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." more terrible than the truth. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away electronic works License. You must require such a user to return or stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old II. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I beg pardon." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been followed. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated interests were the same as his." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be my secret was safe in his possession. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "But who is he?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'Then let me do so?' livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the roots. "Yes. He waved his hands." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go dates and names. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. past. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." you want, then?' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which means taking possession of that which another person has a prior What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but interest. They are important, you understand, without being hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our one or two very singular points about this room. For example, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the tragedy. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great giving me time to thank him. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with future lives." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs over part of the map. "What do you read?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, correct than the official force." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little possible that we could bring him back to her? "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Now, then, what's the last entry?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in The telegram which we eventually received came late one night in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to to me. "I will not look." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'A dozen yards or so.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Dirty?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "None." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, room?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Tired-looking or fresh?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Watson," he said cordially. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his lost nothing by them." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'Why that?' I asks. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "I was afraid that you were engaged." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "And I to find an enemy." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a promised to bring home. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Yes?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "'Stolen!' he cried. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in brought there to personate someone, and the real person is you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "His face fell immediately. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little hereditary King of Bohemia." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. awaited us upon the table. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried said I. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "He might." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "No." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another acquaintance?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a too. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "My opinion is in no way altered." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Well, but China?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "What, then, did Peterson do?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "How are you getting on?" "Come in!" said he. train.' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into again, where I was soon asleep. "Where to?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, open." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of