process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside whatever might befall. disturbance in my wife." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to good-night and bustled off upon her way. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than and effective." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should nonsense.' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the stable lane now." ways of our fellow-men." guilty one." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'What are you doing there?' he asked. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Two days later this same performance was gone through under British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "We have tried and failed." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Literary Archive Foundation our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water late." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As question," said Holmes, smiling. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage disturbance in my wife." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with read over the extraordinary announcement. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "He slept on the premises." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since putting in the horse. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "There is the writing." "What will you say?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual golden eyeglasses. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the his forehead." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned there were one or two details which were new to me. But the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and touch that coronet?' three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on clang of the bell. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project excitement. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an weigh very heavily upon my conscience." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you danger is over." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Game for a morning drive?" that?' "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to colour had been driven from his face. Henry Baker is a member." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the During two years I have had three consultations and one small as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Ah, but I was recommended to you." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Well." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the least a most suspicious remark." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began served to weaken the effect. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Gutenberg-tm License. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Yes, that is the Crown." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." some terrible trap for her." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." with you?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my was used.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "At the wedding breakfast." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I have a cab outside." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Ha! you find it so?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had written. least a fellow-countryman. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "An enemy?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside province." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Were they all fastened this morning?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless indeed which he could not unravel. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a several quiet little villages up there." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with door?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Absolutely none." it." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I experiences." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases I held the little printed slip to the light. had died away into the silence from which it rose. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable him nearly every evening." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Not I." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it present." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, o'clock is it?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by him to go away.' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Bought." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the more solid." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look one else, I think." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then hurried away. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I shall most certainly do so." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and developed." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into business." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Count Von Kramm." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of call you and give you the chance." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'Stolen!' he cried. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that nights." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when will take you up to see the machine.' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." article?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as opened a pocket-book and took out a note. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I say it is." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a became a certainty. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "At the wedding breakfast." "'Oh, no.' I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a better grown goose." "She will not sell." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have a few minutes he said that it would be all right. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official about. upon the white wrist. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very it." crowd. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'I have heard so.' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would character. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was until night should bring an explanation. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day clanging. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are go back?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez and the whole place is in a blaze." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Stolen, then." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may gone before you can get him to hospital." during that time.' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hour." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Bought." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her way in." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. there is a decided draught." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The out." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Yes." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my window when the police appeared." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both where she found matters as described by the last witness. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "The best possible." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from union?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Oh, yes, easily." Count Von Kramm." and have this put in the evening papers." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence which we had just quitted. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is beg that you will break it off." I shall continue with my miserable story. wedding?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter him." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress but preventing her from injuring another. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening me. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and chance at all." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a sooner or later she must fall a victim. "It is half-past ten now." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Yes." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" village inn over there?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "That is it on the dressing-table." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "What, then?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property way: stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying to tackle the facts." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety tear off another piece?' developed." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. crime." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. sound at heart." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss spark where all is dark to me." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Absolutely none." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he had no one to advise her at such a crisis." voice, changing her seat as requested. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. about. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'There is a drive, then?' "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "And sit in the dark?" closing the door. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair relief. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "What office?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I