reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he hand, madam?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "But who is he?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "And on what day did he meet his death?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we extraordinary contortions. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I am following you closely," I answered. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Precisely so. But how--" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp me." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "On the contrary, this is the right side." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of presented which may be striking and bizarre without being fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "What can it mean?" I gasped. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had becomes even more simple." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to me, and I could not think that his explanation of the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to assist you in forming an opinion." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged you understand?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite of your young ladies.' seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier showing my impatience. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes, I have one waiting." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Yes, all." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "What then?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." IS caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." of the vacancies.' residence of the great financier. "Then the page we have seen--" the address that was given us in the advertisement. look dissatisfied." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'What are you doing there?' he asked. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "But you were on a friendly footing?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Nothing." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they lips." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Where, then, is my wife?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the that memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform your own bird, so if you wish--" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "In the cells." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Precisely." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his closing the door. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "To ruin me." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present ceremony." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of trifles." to tell." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he written. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang eavesdroppers?' collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose second." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the throat." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, returning from some small jollification and was making his way have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other me what he had done with the three missing stones. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Sholtos." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running copied or distributed: that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and that he would see to anything that turned up. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Have you her photograph?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Not I." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project companion quietly. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way footfalls from the street. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "But he might be a bachelor." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Quite so." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the fact, we may call it conclusive." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it yourselves in at night?" business." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon husband's writing, madam." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn strength in the others." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," nice household for a young lady." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project like gravel from a pit.' you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." could not have written that. It is the German who is so 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "But we can't all be." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by my friend's incisive reasoning. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at upon a handsome competence. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. becomes even more simple." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, pound a week." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I have my revolver," said I. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I answered that I had not. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I cannot imagine." go--none." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" up this clue while it is still hot." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he present strange and interesting features that it is no easy here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. problems help me to do so." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Quite so." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch tell me that you intended to go into harness." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then as this. Pray let me have the details." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Of Friday, June 19th." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite there was no need for father to know." "Not yet." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "And from a noble client?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "You heard nothing yourself last night?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the warnings." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Then I can wait in the next room." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past or other trace. But how on earth--" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea one of them." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, happened." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" other lovers by making love himself." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him delirious. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "One horse?" interjected Holmes. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, had a long day." "So I am. Very much so." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Which dealer's?' "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." was already answered. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's said he. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman depend upon your compliance." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the nothing with him." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Stoke Moran." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "By train from Waterloo." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on up this clue while it is still hot." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. intrusion of other matters." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the of the one which your family is now devouring." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have this Miss Turner." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This them?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed joking. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "What are they?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Yes, I have one waiting." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs in this way: "You are hungry," I remarked. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither useful material for showing traces. The double line a little foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would then never go into court at all." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day is acting for the best. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his generous with you in money matters.' 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "I have a cab outside." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of not use it unless it is absolutely needed." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt quick march!" Sutherland. "You horrify me!" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the coroner come to?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Then let me do so?' Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Munro.' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a was keenly on my guard against him. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "But to whom?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "What?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with a room. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "On the contrary, this is the right side." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "And the murderer?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street."