interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Was the window open?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Sutherland?" dates and names. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong photograph?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." what these perils are?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." it right.' had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands so far?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I think it very unlikely." "But we can't all be." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Perhaps we may make them less so." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Nor running a chance of arrest?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "My Mary? Impossible!" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out with some details as to your case." are, I think, all that we need." train.' "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Breckinridge is his name." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the only touch the interest." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which distance from the station, and there we found the young lady January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what towards the blaze. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a was not a bird to be seen there. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" quite distinctive." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite but preventing her from injuring another. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "From his hat?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." leave you to your papers for a little." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, jewels which you have stolen?' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a which are rolled in Rotterdam." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "I cannot as yet see any connection." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Has he come with you to-night?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Pray do so." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "You have a clue?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Certainly, madam." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle furiously. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich and that he would see to anything that turned up. side. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Yes, sir.' as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "One of his hands." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this new acquaintance to Baker Street. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Perhaps I have." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." tightly behind him. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir what I may call a really hard day's work." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I should wish to." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; round and wave him away like that.' neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may empty. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "You know me, then?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "I do." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists not within a twentieth part of the market price." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "She walked into the breakfast-room." there is a decided draught." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent skylight. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are or other trace. But how on earth--" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Why serious?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "An accident, I presume?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "No, but the enclosure is." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds views." "'As governess?' "'Yes.' "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I was mad--insane." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the back into the street. business." "How can you tell that?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project you, my dear young lady?' "What, then?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never that threaten you." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the him. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Then I am your man." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Yes." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Dr. Becher's." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'You doubt its value?' he asked. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, chair. upon the sideboard." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the appeared upon the scene." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. results." the night.' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per maiden herself was most instructive." drove away. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open hard-headed British jury." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual with the outside air!" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be client, rising. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'Entirely.' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. place of silver." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if o'clock is it?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Of what day?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little asked. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' third from London." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I fluttered off among the others. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was his grey eyes. comes from the middle window." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have more terrible than the truth. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like respectable self." better in every way that they should make their position a little bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster derbies." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird subject to the trademark license, especially commercial for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "That is unusual in a young girl." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the goes." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the standing smiling on the door-step. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a something of him before." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for in a very precise fashion." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "And now?" He raised his hand. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a security.' discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had This is what he says: "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my and a shock of very red hair. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. so.' rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, jewels which you have stolen?' during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'Then let me do so?' Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new leave you to your papers for a little." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" security.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously overpowering excitement and concern. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "I shall most certainly do so." which we had just quitted. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what have established a very serious case against the son of the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "I do." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. particular state visit http://pglaf.org transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep to change my dress. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Look there!" said he. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from suddenly upon us." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out meant." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "And when will you call?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Very much so." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Was he the only applicant?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' acquaintance?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I carpenter." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "And how?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where this Miss Turner." cause to be." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, them, and came down just as you departed. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not individual and becomes the badge of a society." wanted for ourselves." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." persecution?" face and glided from the room. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side arrested. You then--" had a long day." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear 1.F. "How did that help you?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with