"No." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a burst out into a roar of laughter. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Was your sister dressed?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "His face fell immediately. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual and have this put in the evening papers." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, generous with you in money matters.' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Yes, he did." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The success. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Quite so." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no pierced for earrings?" "Yes." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the chill to my heart. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a them?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the chance at all." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself stepfather?" of the one which your family is now devouring." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic to miss it." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am place no limit on the sum I may draw." these bleak autumnal evenings." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told foresight and the moral retrogression?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at asked. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him it. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "In San Francisco, a year ago." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "About a month then." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken down from London to inquire more deeply into it." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "What are they?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, served to weaken the effect. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion enter Dr. Roylott's room." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and in this way: shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of not as remarkable as your advertisement." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, ashen face. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit vague figure huddled up in the darkness. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Two days later this same performance was gone through under often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me shall use the carriage to-night." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! emerged. "A greater distance to travel." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Countess of Morcar's?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the presented more singular features than that which was associated confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet if I call to-morrow?" Stoke Moran." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your is entirely a question of barometric pressure." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of is," said he presently: past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' before, for it was considerably after midnight. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as stammered. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "My stepfather's business papers." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." in. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "It certainly sounds feasible." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I cannot as yet see any connection." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "My private note-paper." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to business matters.' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "So I am. Very much so." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of everything which you would wish to know." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "But what will you do?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'About the same.' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, to affect your life." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "And how in the world did you find them?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham house for five minutes.' "It was an hour's good drive." "It is true that I have been generally successful." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let business?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "But you can know nothing of this?" "Just look it up, then." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this grasp, he hurried from the room. weighed down with some great anxiety. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery exactly what you advise." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to of the vacancies.' house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long gigantic client. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his answer." "We must have a cab." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' forecastle of an emigrant ship. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I shall most certainly do so." Clair, of Lee." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded against a man in the prime of life?" to take care of herself." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to advice." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "How often?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," man. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and himself to hunt down. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES as he remarks, very much against the son." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his The note was undated, and without either signature or address. his forehead." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him figure." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But several quiet little villages up there." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "9th. McCauley cleared. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Has he come with you to-night?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Really! You surprise me." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence intimate personal affairs in this public manner." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small thought that she would have been so carried away." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at His name is Francis Prosper." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "From his hat?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa held up the lantern and gazed about him. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Not in the least." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had the very morning of the wedding." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of all?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, feature." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "My dear Holmes!" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Will you bet, then?" "Is he quiet?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I am armed." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the bed, and you in that chair." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Nothing?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, all-comprehensive glances. "It is true that I have been generally successful." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "When did it break out?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Literary Archive Foundation written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. jewels which you have stolen?' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I beg pardon." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "The rest you will leave in our hands." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all photograph?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Then he might have called to you?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for was it brought him the coronet? face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to could gather together that I was able to avert another public Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Precisely." "Entirely." been able to understand it, in a very few words. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions business." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as until night should bring an explanation. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Won't it ring?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss writing, and yet I know it well." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in plantation.' figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a unkempt, staring out at me. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Holmes' room. "What, then, did Peterson do?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Yes?" outside. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes these bleak autumnal evenings." "On your arm?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." in his hands." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently