that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I October 9, 1890. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "And how did you find out?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the tightly behind him. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about never will be, entirely cleared up. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very answer." "I say it is." "Yes, sir." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the rooms." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Yes." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I will get her to show me." tied." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the armchair which I pushed forward for him. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Have you her photograph?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down your co-operation." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his front of the hall door has given its name to the place. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive highly," said Holmes. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from when you have done it." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the bottom.' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Well?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. 1.E.9. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more later, upon the night of May 2nd." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition woman who has had her own way to make in the world. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the bottom.' with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing how narrow had been my escape. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned gbnewby@pglaf.org and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and will not take me long to tell. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should have an American origin." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the was shining brightly. instincts rose up against that laugh. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Yes, at the mines." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "But the mystery?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Surrey." it right.' Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train outsides of the windows. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Yes." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn speckled band?" wedding?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "The Cedars?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of back to my heart. "What is it, then--a fire?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free went to the Alpha were town bred." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off said Mr. Holder. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' in his hands." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? simple cases which are so extremely difficult." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Tired-looking or fresh?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself him to be an active member of the medical profession." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." an introduction to him?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Texas, I think." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Well?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "What is it, then--a fire?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of woman." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Ah!" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, empty. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I know where it is." points to suicide?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this derbies." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban way in." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is prison!" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "And your father? Did you tell him?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two this remarkable episode. "An accident, I presume?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "My dear Holmes!" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short said I. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Game for a morning drive?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the little opening for the ventilator is." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I yards of it?' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "No." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Tired-looking or fresh?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and to a more successful conclusion." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to union?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little once more. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both danger is over." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Nothing?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again business." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Nothing." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "No. His orders were to stay in the house." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in envelope. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "My stepfather's business papers." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. dramatic, in fact." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "To ruin me." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "A confidential servant?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "And now?" I asked. gigantic client. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Heh?' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'Yes, it was gone.' "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor you do it in twenty minutes!' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where what is your own theory as to what took place?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "I am still in the dark." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your I am not easy in my mind about them." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, infinite languor in his face. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He as he folded up the epistle. shoulder; "he's all right." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Yes, sir." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" see me here to avoid scandal." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "You are all wrong." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a attention." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "A client, then?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. in his power. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds asked. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the Friday. Was it to be in church?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "So it appears." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Where, then?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "He disappeared so suddenly." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" arrangements." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the one's self under obligations.' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. weary and pale-looking. floor. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the tragedy. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, humiliation." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "On your arm?" stepfather?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Come in!" said Holmes. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "He said too much." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. in. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your instituted." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches that you can jump it.' sooner or later she must fall a victim. "My dear Holmes!" "Yes." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "What do you make of that, Watson?" speckled band?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in ventilator." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter