high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Have you good authority for what you say?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the know that the truth is known." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "No, I think that I'll take it." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "No?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'What do you call purely nominal?' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Has he come with you to-night?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian searched, without anything being found which could incriminate comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." said I. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in not personally threatened." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, indeed happy." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his results." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent interested in these little problems, and since you are good "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The it." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'As governess?' Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a presume?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the address that was given us in the advertisement. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Seven!" I answered. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Ample." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. morning." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich breakfast?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the to that open window." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, just called myself is not exactly my own." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have there were so many in the whole country as were brought together o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the bears upon the case?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he call you and give you the chance." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Never." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat business matters.' Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I would pay ten." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Yes?" "Never to return." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'Where to?' laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every remarked. to-night?" I asked. leave you to your papers for a little." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "He said that you could solve anything." invisible to me," I remarked. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I all that?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the bed, and you in that chair." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A what do you think they found in the pockets?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Cross for the Continent." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case disappearance of these gems?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are nothing with him." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in evidence," I remarked. new acquaintance to Baker Street. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "What can it mean?" I gasped. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Not him." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "What I expected to see." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this case-book, which he consulted. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no some water from a caraffe. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the bottom.' noble correspondent could be. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" in my life." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had their singular warning or token before them when starting upon behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "But we can't all be." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and that there was nothing in it, after all." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have leave you to your papers for a little." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train had no one to advise her at such a crisis." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." him and tried to hold him back. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little success. "I think that it is very probable." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." acquaintance?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when someone who had been in Australia." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, might have a private word with us. extraordinary contortions. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. my secret was safe in his possession. signal between you and your father? own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing experiences." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we suddenly upon us." might have a private word with us. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "It is possible." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself your bag." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not business came to an end." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at that you saw all that I did." any more." "I am following you closely," I answered. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' in the hope of finding them." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning suggested at once that there must be a communication between the call the police, let the police find what they can.' should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the goes." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in desk. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Quite so." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were his wife has ceased to love him." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Yes, but only for you and me." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. lamp in his hand. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to of fine shops and stately business premises that they really shag which I had seen upon the previous night. time." intrusion of other matters." "Can I be of assistance?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella gone before you can get him to hospital." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "VIOLET HUNTER." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "But the mystery?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a spare." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." have had none more fantastic than this." if I call to-morrow?" quick march!" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net matters immensely." "There are none." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "But she will refuse." "Never." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to me. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I was afraid that you were engaged." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which lips." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of this remarkable episode. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I washing it down with a long draught of water. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "By no means." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Entirely." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can gentleman's clothes. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to hereditary King of Bohemia." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in someone who had been in Australia." as he remarks, very much against the son." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "What! You do not mean bodies?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "It surprised me." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day of fine shops and stately business premises that they really paper in the air. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask have got?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at over his head with a sweet womanly caress. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "One of the highest in England." showing my impatience. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either corner of the building. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one important." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "What will you say?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features be.' "'Yes, sir.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Yes?" "I came to find a friend." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Not him." "A confidential servant?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. be. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic persecution?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together chambers. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the south-west, I see." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and think that he is innocent?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "You are hungry," I remarked. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose in my life." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Mary, has deserted me." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I think that it is very probable." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, nonsense.' She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "But you were on a friendly footing?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Dirty?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his companion quietly. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed key of the affair now." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, little adventures." lost nothing by them." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "It is true that I have been generally successful." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country to-night's adventure." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on opportunities to fix the problem. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great works. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." only touch the interest." tightly behind him. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and more terrible than the truth. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, tightly behind him. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" once more. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project but preventing her from injuring another. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his three fields round his house, and there he would take his sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Street. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "He slept on the premises." side. morning." "She showed me, as I told you she would." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "It is his hat." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "To an end?" room?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible which our visitor detailed to us. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of and a shock of very red hair. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will