man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Precisely." "'I am sure that I do not know.' 11:15.' hardly wander." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. my room." to take care of herself." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "One horse?" interjected Holmes. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was It may be so in this case, also." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Yes." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. said he at last. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "'Never,' said I. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there giving me time to thank him. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for gbnewby@pglaf.org course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the pressing in one house as in another. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert fish-monger and a tide-waiter." that and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself door?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "How did he come?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Eyford at 11:15.' "Holmes, the busybody!" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "But she will refuse." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he was used.' "My own seal." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely look dissatisfied." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his himself. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "How many? I don't know." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "No, I had a dozen." "It is very kind of you." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Pray continue your narrative." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his it means?" friends, not even his own brother. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "It must be recovered." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper beyond words. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the your troubles." was a lad." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I and laid it on the table. "Nothing." prison!" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without unprofitable." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "No." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "It is solved." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "At the wedding breakfast." "But not more so than I to find you." purpose of examination. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other public press." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Won't it ring?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the is four-and-twenty." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until there when the Rucastles went away." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Was the window open?" "Certainly." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "And how did you verify them?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "9th. McCauley cleared. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am you." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "To an end?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a like that before?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a II. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I think it very unlikely." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after whole matter to your consideration." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Whose house is it?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when washing it down with a long draught of water. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Why serious?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "It was." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose from you?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "At half-wages, in fact." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "It was a confession," I ejaculated. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out security.' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate it." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. more solid." own family. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the one of the states of the Union." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring were unconscious?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." way in everything. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I have hopes." morning." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" to some other building. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you and glanced through. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Dr. Becher's." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the child." companion. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with very peculiar words of the dying woman?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the general public were present, then?" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." not come at once?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of the way of danger. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes to surprise her." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a used to be." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, green of the new foliage. "Why serious?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me orange pips. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the standing smiling on the door-step. "What is it, then--a fire?" "What is it, then--a fire?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in meanly of me." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "'About the same.' danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. might have a private word with us. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Eh? What was that?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "On the contrary, this is the right side." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Game for a morning drive?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled trifles." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could ventilator." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Henry Baker is a member." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical unclasping of his long thin hands. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See guilty one." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." awkward doing business with an alias." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never there was no need for father to know." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Was the window open?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little you." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Perhaps I have." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I will try. What is it?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary views." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence thought that she would have been so carried away." little adventures." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "He might." "9th. McCauley cleared. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which like that before?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon ceremony." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "'Never.' subject to the trademark license, especially commercial You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' weary and pale-looking. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" only touch the interest." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "What will you say?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of all that?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go hardly wander." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one important." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. voice, changing her seat as requested. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered not interfere, come what may. You understand?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Awake, Watson?" he asked. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "A confidential servant?" gives a meaning to it." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Pray do so." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "What is it, then--a fire?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of whatever might befall. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "But his lameness?" rooms." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Will you bet, then?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was a suggestive one." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Quite so. She has her freedom." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office