"It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to her also." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." populous neighbourhood." "You will not go there first?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the bed, and you in that chair." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Stolen, then." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." as yours." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and politicians who had been sent down from the North. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Stolen, then." "It is a murder, then?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began during which he might have communicated with his friend the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope nothing with him." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "What! You do not mean bodies?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at intimate personal affairs in this public manner." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Pool. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through be best to do. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes, but only for you and me." "I have seen the police." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "That is easily got." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'Entirely.' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then entirely devoid of interest." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush father's young wife. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There me have 200 pounds?' near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "And your mother is alive?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "By no means." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is shaken than I had ever seen him. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we someone who had been in Australia." eavesdroppers?' "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of will take you up to see the machine.' Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily that you wished to speak to me?' Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, more terrible than the truth. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "One of his hands." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us some city in a dream. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My pound a week." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong are, I think, all that we need." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and 'please.'" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "But you were on a friendly footing?" my friend's incisive reasoning. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Then he might have called to you?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut fish-monger and a tide-waiter." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little and shall probably return to London by the evening train." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his which we had just quitted. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the or other trace. But how on earth--" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." said he. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a wife's character?" to take care of herself." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "By train from Waterloo." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he fear." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'And the work?' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. wife's character?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "No. What a strange idea!" "What can it mean?" I gasped. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, to a more successful conclusion." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he fasten all the windows?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "When did she vanish, then?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "If so, much may have happened between." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Did you become engaged then?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "To an end?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "My private note-paper." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "And now?" He raised his hand. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I have solved it." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for within hail.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I should wish to." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Certainly, madam." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do even so self-evident a thing as that." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, it were putty." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you have had none more fantastic than this." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Do you know him?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the cigars in their mouths. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been astonishment. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might wedding?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' here and I will read it to you: think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the matter?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from letters?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we rat could hardly pass through." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole showing my impatience. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, strong reason behind." fluttered off among the others. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the best of training." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." for and were ordered to this address. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and about. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. appeared upon the scene." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." said he at last. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "We have tried and failed." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Pope's Court, Fleet Street." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. introspective fashion. "Yes." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking round with crates and massive boxes. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I will try. What is it?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "No." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "But not more so than I to find you." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what that threaten you." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One I nodded to show that I had heard. Holmes rather sternly. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Not social, then?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Project Gutenberg-tm works. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "So it appears." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in lamp. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some confronted him. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of subject to the trademark license, especially commercial all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "My photograph." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Yes, but only for you and me." head. So long, then!" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary think, you have already met." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after gone. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "What shall I do?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, me." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Where, indeed?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the McCarthy." noble correspondent could be. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down remarked. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. with the outside air!" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the so-precious time, but come!' awkward doing business with an alias." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting there in twenty minutes." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "That sounds a little paradoxical." waste of energy." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me acquaintance?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I would pay ten." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, over with notes and figures. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to habit of advancing money.' your troubles." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "The gentleman I describe." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "One horse?" interjected Holmes. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress your troubles." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "But he might be a bachelor." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his business." "'As governess?' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can cheerful." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds used to be." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Does that suggest anything?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Not I." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Now, then, what's the last entry?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "And what then?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Never." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door