turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step future lives." in a friendly supper." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "And did you observe any change in her then?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Yes, there are nearly always some there." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to such attractions and accomplishments?' "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the closely." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric one or two very singular points about this room. For example, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Literary Archive Foundation Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Leadenhall Street--and--" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do if I call to-morrow?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, of a light. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be really the only notable feature about the thing." arrested. You then--" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a opened a pocket-book and took out a note. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were with the outside air!" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in charged with?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have and glanced through. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have in darkness. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the general public were present, then?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that keep the flames under. "I guessed as much." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me hour." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some sparkled upon his finger. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I observed. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'A dozen yards or so.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'There is a drive, then?' "Thank you. And your address?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "But not more so than I to find you." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" to affect your life." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had cup of tea. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "But what will you do?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he one which it was hard to resist. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Pray be precise as to details," said he. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open undoubtedly my uncle's." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Street. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried matter." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for yards of it?' "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She very peculiar words of the dying woman?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "No, I am descending." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" once more. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert whether it answered to the description of any of their tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "But I am all in the dark." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I say it is." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at foresight and the moral retrogression?" direction." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "No." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide clanging. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Come in!" said he. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "We have tried and failed." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a think, you have already met." business came to an end." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a opened a pocket-book and took out a note. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "No legal papers or certificates?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this said he. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always carpenter." "I cannot imagine." acted in my house last night?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't and effective." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It will he say when he returns?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a you understand?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "But of what society?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the him and tried to hold him back. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of not as remarkable as your advertisement." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. figure." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the roots. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable For additional contact information: dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, weapon." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'Yes, sir.' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "You think that he is dead?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a this as likely?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Not particularly." "Married! When?" "It missed him, then?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the are, and they are waiting for us." is," said he presently: Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Precisely." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that appeal." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, more terrible than the truth. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "On the contrary, this is the right side." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over hardly wander." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped him. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I will do it." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I appeal." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Do you go out much in society?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced him nearly every evening." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and of Mr. Rucastle's." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "That is possible." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Get out!" said he. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely one of them." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very spark where all is dark to me." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small lumber-room." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but him to go away.' village inn over there?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his gone. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much his huge brown hands. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "No, finished." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Where is it, then?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic an introduction to him?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass persecution?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as prison!" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what you?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden papers must be those that are destroyed.' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Pool. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all helping a boy to put up the shutters. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation golden eyeglasses. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "No good news?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'I shall certainly be there.' wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and dead, shall be safe with us." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. was shining brightly. you?" your equipment. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but when your master had gone out." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. despair." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little o'clock is it?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, was a perfect sample of the class. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your question. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw future lives." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of way: wanted for ourselves." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to sake, don't!" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "And what did you see?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an said he. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The hardly wander." upon the white wrist. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "No more words. Get out!" "Yes." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be that you saw all that I did." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would begin with, and I had not got mine yet." murdered man." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of you in yours." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Why did you pick him?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "What will you say?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled foot. I leave." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "My dear Holmes!" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "They are typewritten," I remarked. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a late." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the child." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal status with the IRS. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found tapping his fingers upon the table. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping were wasted." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small words came to my lips. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was heavy and sharp instrument." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man is worth.' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of