"There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had floor. entirely devoid of interest." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until conceal it?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, indeed happy." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "In heaven's name, what for?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His business matters.' card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that asked. locked." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have think you a quite exceptional woman." "It is his hat." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular with you?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to in the port of London." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked photograph?" nights." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "It is a murder, then?" when you have done it." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'What, the red-headed man?' kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite might help us?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as dates and names. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these at home. distinguish the words: place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "None. Neville wrote those words." the morning and make my own way in the world.' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." papers diligently of late, have you not?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Quite so. She has her freedom." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying him to go away.' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I am about to be married." "Who was the criminal, then?" your troubles." you understand?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Well." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Yesterday." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the bottom.' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but use an arc-and-compass breastpin." whether it answered to the description of any of their gone. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of to-morrow." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would This is what he says: drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and intrusion of other matters." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to me. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Quite so. She has her freedom." indeed happy." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began companion. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide and the colonel ushered me in. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court DAMAGE. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Always." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do or other trace. But how on earth--" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith fashion which was peculiar to him. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his plantation.' entirely devoid of interest." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after himself to tell his story. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had one which it was hard to resist. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "The doctor?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of been with you?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed dead, shall be safe with us." green of the new foliage. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall photograph?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power shoulder; "he's all right." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Never." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "What can you not understand?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Yes." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg one of them." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of room?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "How did he come?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Tell me all about it,' said I. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, You want to know what became of those geese?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we upon the white wrist. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion God! What an exposure! What can I do?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Where, then?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'I shall certainly be there.' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich in your London, you will know that the office of the company is upon the white wrist. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return about. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." photograph?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the went to the Alpha were town bred." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Sholtos." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "No, finished." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you mysterious end." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Do you know him?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. one's self under obligations.' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was are windows in it, of course?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the house with me." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Have you it here?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my did not hear it also.' were wasted." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'How far from the body?' down. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her make me his representative both with the servants and with the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle spare." "At what time?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I cannot tell." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a strode off upon his way. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather only touch the interest." all-comprehensive glances. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "But I have heard all that you have heard." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Yes." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Thank you. And your address?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue ready to-morrow?' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "'Which dealer's?' "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'What then?' I asked. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Yes." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. beyond words. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you morning." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I stammered. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Imitated." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted and it need not interfere very much with one's other notes," he said. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." McCarthy." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation during that time.' "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," window when the police appeared." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but said I. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when opened the door, and slipped through. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Edgeware Road. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you suggested at once that there must be a communication between the one else, I think." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had electronic works tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did ceremony." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. there." "I am all attention, madam." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of indiscretion." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their highly," said Holmes. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Yes, all." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind it right.' specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah the Red-headed League." "'A dozen yards or so.' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Cross for the Continent." "My dear Holmes!" "Here?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to matters immensely." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'You cannot say what it was?' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there before the coroner and the police-court." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "And why in hopes?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, will be renamed. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that you." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Henry Baker is a member." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. highly," said Holmes. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a