"Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Where, indeed?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not make me his representative both with the servants and with the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea south, for the country is more deserted there." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "We must sit without light. He would see it through the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the electronic works you?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "What is it?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "And you thought he was pulled back?" done what I asked you, Jones?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at it right.' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Was there a secret marriage?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he golden eyeglasses. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "In the cells." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove yourselves in at night?" head. So long, then!" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My horse could go." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after burst into a hearty fit of laughter. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into sufficient punishment." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my John Swain, of St. Augustine. all-comprehensive glances. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout disturbance in my wife." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "And your mother is alive?" outsides of the windows. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls pity, because in other respects you would really have done very bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and nonsense.' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then wanted for ourselves." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Certainly." away into the river." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And now?" I asked. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Not I." London for the present?" not, dad?" she asked. will take you up to see the machine.' prove to be little relation between the different incidents of approach us with offers to donate. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we status with the IRS. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been head. So long, then!" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a me. and laid it on the table. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely of the one which your family is now devouring." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I should be immensely obliged to you." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Come in!" said he. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the brandy and water within his reach. cup of tea. "Certainly." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Just look it up, then." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? I nodded to show that I had heard. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot respectable self." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and astonishment. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the little adventures." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it look upon these things in a different way." used to be." "But she will refuse." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind hour?' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "But you were on a friendly footing?" "So I have heard." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the evidence," I remarked. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Why did you pick him?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Ha! you find it so?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Of what?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I am to be neutral?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "This photograph!" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders be sorry for having acted so harshly." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through way: "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Certainly." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, look upon these things in a different way." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich License. You must require such a user to return or spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if as the one I chose?' own family. "My opinion is in no way altered." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Yes, at the mines." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, an introduction to him?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me are, I think, all that we need." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which roused himself from his reverie. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Holmes' room. which we had just quitted. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I fear not." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "You are all wrong." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Where to?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the acquaintance?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, writing, and yet I know it well." lumber-room." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "'Quite sure, dad.' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of this gang." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of is now desirous of getting those letters back." is so. I know all about McCarthy." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'Certainly not. But why?' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the an introduction to him?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "There are none." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public that?' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "No, I think that I'll take it." to some other building. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so troubles have been weighing upon his mind. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, matter." imbecility!" he cried. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he for its centre. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the affection." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, said I. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a of." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "What?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I over here." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the side-table." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of that the gas is not laid on in his house?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. particular state visit http://pglaf.org The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the coronet at all injured?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it sneer upon his pale face. was it brought him the coronet? "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too 11:15.' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Who was the criminal, then?" you in your example." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and to me. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had matter over." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until she to prove their authenticity?" "Could he throw no light?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "It is possible." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'Quite sure, dad.' taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I think it very unlikely." disappearance of these gems?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper hour." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now cup of tea. of the vacancies.' said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the all-comprehensive glances. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as use an arc-and-compass breastpin." direction." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. help us in this matter." "It is true that I have been generally successful." him, that man would not have given me such complete information not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Then, how do you know?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of here and I will read it to you: to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his troubles have been weighing upon his mind. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite ready to-morrow?' guilty parties." "Then I do not see the point." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into highly," said Holmes. bachelor.' parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Here?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an at my remark. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so fattened it expressly for you.' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has I held the little printed slip to the light. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, bird I ate is country bred." "I have my revolver," said I. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third friends, not even his own brother. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "If so, much may have happened between." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Miss Holder?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact she used." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to one which it was hard to resist. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to DAMAGE. Pope's Court. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I character. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A any." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I handed it to him. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "It is no ordinary one." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the closing the door. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the yards of it?' with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "You think that he is dead?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." you." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly tell me that you intended to go into harness." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the nursery. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout to Leatherhead. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we