a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the know that the truth is known." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' washing it down with a long draught of water. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the ordinary clothes on?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was his eyes and forehead. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a photograph a cabinet?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as been shamefully used." before, for it was considerably after midnight. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Well?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up *** START: FULL LICENSE *** daring than any effort of the imagination." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you situation." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Munro.' three of the beryls in it, was missing. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "My Mary? Impossible!" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell go from here to the Strand." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the astonishment. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Yes, sir." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a brain must have something in it." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "What can it mean?" I gasped. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black London for the present?" "It is no ordinary one." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which to miss it." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the a very grave face. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "And I say east," said my patient. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a all?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, bell. Holmes whistled. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "But his left-handedness." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you when you have done it." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the Friday. Was it to be in church?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Munro.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the date of his supposed suicide." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you stood on the top of it. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always silent! Oh, he will be silent!' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Surrey." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I when your master had gone out." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Street. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under been shamefully used." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Gutenberg-tm License. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his too. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then several quiet little villages up there." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "But who is he?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that fire. You quite follow me?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK wall." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from DAMAGE. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "How did you trace it, then?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance salesman. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote himself. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I cannot tell." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my head. So long, then!" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Foundation the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was passage and a tap at the door. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his rose-bushes. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is details." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been gives a meaning to it." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Entirely." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "What! You do not mean bodies?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect if I call to-morrow?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." giving me time to thank him. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very in a very precise fashion." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Stoke Moran." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see detective. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." eavesdroppers?' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Again Holmes raved in the air. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached father's place of business?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our your most interesting statement." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. business." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the to some other building. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, during that time.' "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Never,' said I. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone four million human beings all jostling each other within the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back rooms." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I have come for advice." important." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative said he. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'What, the red-headed man?' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "I was sure that I might rely on you." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't matter." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with drove away. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to you do it in twenty minutes!' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." putting in the horse. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." second window is the one that I jumped from." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty gone before you can get him to hospital." made him keep the appointment." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the running down." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Not yet." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the room while you explain this matter?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered a room. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Yes." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right nice household for a young lady." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check neither fascinating nor artistic." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate in this note: in. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put populous neighbourhood." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own this man was intellectual?" the dangers which encompass me." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' foresight and the moral retrogression?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of said he. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. made him keep the appointment." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. whether it answered to the description of any of their photograph?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one quite distinctive." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some society." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and do.' "By train from Waterloo." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the coroner come to?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. memory. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "How many? I don't know." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "I cannot tell." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to note?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should room. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I a suggestive one." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "What office?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and night.' said he. gives a meaning to it." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "No, distinctly professional." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let indiscretion." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been meant." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "She will not sell." "Yes, certainly." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a bearing upon the case." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I should like to see him very much." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Really! You surprise me." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a I am not easy in my mind about them." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your there in twenty minutes." which was all perfectly true. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'Stolen!' he cried. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not