upon a handsome competence. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty him to be an active member of the medical profession." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project begun to whiten, even as mine has." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not himself to tell his story. of his shoulders. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, showing my impatience. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is your own bird, so if you wish--" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when which we had just quitted. "Holmes, the busybody!" asked with his eyes open. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the that threaten you." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I them, and came down just as you departed. "Ten will be early enough." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'There is a drive, then?' "'Yes.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. really the only notable feature about the thing." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the loss of it. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Your presence might be invaluable." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper them?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'Oh, no.' will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to not personally threatened." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the events, Mr. Windibank!" "I came to find a friend." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." License. You must require such a user to return or she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'Yes, it was gone.' observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our I shall continue with my miserable story. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' main points of my analysis." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Chief Executive and Director Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "What steps will you take?" I asked. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a went to the Alpha were town bred." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the never to learn it at all." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "In answer to an advertisement." mystery!" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Absolutely?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Yes." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been of them has the shutters up.' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I little adventures." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered goes." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'Certainly not.' his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and address. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an mysterious business." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "What will you say?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Which surely he restored to their owner?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Yes, sir." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands that you saw all that I did." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came once more to my work. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Very truly yours, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for been deceived." The events in question occurred in the early days of my the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If McCarthy's innocence. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "So I heard. You have him here?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed good-night and bustled off upon her way. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would sneer upon his pale face. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "And how in the world did you find them?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I saw her in conversation with her maid." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Certainly, madam." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. there is a decided draught." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was of them has the shutters up.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." I nodded again. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "A call for help, you thought?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. politicians who had been sent down from the North. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face chemical work which was so dear to him. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite returning from some small jollification and was making his way seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he bears upon the case?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I guessed as much." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded felt the room to be a little close.' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of client, rising. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical signal between you and your father? intrusion of other matters." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "My dear Holmes!" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. have I gained?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "That is also quite modern," said the lady. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'What then?' I asked. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is as yours." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "None." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I warn you that they are very incomplete." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "How can you tell that?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the Assizes." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Eyford at 11:15.' shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate shag which I had seen upon the previous night. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free himself. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "No, I am descending." "You did not overhear what they said?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie may never be exposed to such a temptation." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to was feeling which was the fattest.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the hopeless attempt at recovering them." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "In answer to an advertisement." "But it has twice been burgled." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Yes. He waved his hands." "None. Neville wrote those words." brandy and water within his reach. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, you do it in twenty minutes!' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "That is possible." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "And why?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "No." seven miles from Eyford Station.' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Whose house is it?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize morning." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his is a common subject for conversation. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "No, distinctly professional." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the to me. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could think, you have already met." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit more solid." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. lectures into a series of tales." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Could he throw no light?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "When did it break out?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Gutenberg-tm License. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my just called myself is not exactly my own." for and were ordered to this address. the so-precious time, but come!' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his way in everything. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day nights." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, done what I asked you, Jones?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Was your sister dressed?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Of what day?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I answered that I had not. he died? scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands in. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "What will you do, then?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through until night should bring an explanation. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "By train from Waterloo." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who depend upon your compliance." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square London for the present?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "It's nothing of the kind." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Dark enough and sinister enough." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." empty. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Heh?' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry His name is Francis Prosper." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an just called myself is not exactly my own." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "No, I think that I'll take it." Eyford." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. have been better. It is all right." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in me where it went to?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious perplexity from it to my illustrious client. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we fear." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the absorbing." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy from you?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in as the one I chose?' "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, residence of the great financier. promised to bring home. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting."