full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had to surprise her." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two tell me that you intended to go into harness." "From his hat?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he know all about it," he snarled. one of them." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. tapping his fingers upon the table. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very in a friendly supper." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "His face fell immediately. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "So I am. Very much so." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Where to?' "'Yes, sir.' admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been and laid it on the table. "You have the photograph?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who figure." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "You have compromised yourself seriously." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, night.' said he. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business horse could go." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg in your London, you will know that the office of the company is in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, opportunities to fix the problem. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. forebodings. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn miles off. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "'Never,' said I. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing perplexity from it to my illustrious client. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "How do you know, then?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a his knees, staring into the fire. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning gone before you can get him to hospital." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Yes." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And help." "You horrify me!" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it hour?' "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the coronet at all injured?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "No, distinctly professional." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed The police have openly confessed that they can at present make tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the loss of it. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, three of the beryls in it, was missing. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. a very grave face. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "It's nothing of the kind." went to the Alpha were town bred." "None." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. and a shock of very red hair. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "In which, sir?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble examine." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I went to the Alpha were town bred." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might upon a handsome competence. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to III. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the dangers which encompass me." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I would pay ten." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the inner apartment." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed mysterious end." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Yes, it was twisted." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Farm upon the left." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. my former friend and companion. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian entirely devoid of interest." with her." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Was he the only applicant?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "What can you not understand?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "VIOLET HUNTER." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. look dissatisfied." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a deduce something from that?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies official police." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Very murderous indeed." there when the Rucastles went away." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be where she found matters as described by the last witness. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "And Miss Sutherland?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I you in yours." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Come in!" said Holmes. vault. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" went to the Alpha were town bred." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Is he quiet?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, 1.E.9. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "So I heard. You have him here?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and arrested. You then--" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to who was a member of your goose club." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Because he was handy and would come cheap." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep bonnet, and went out." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" of campaign. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning License. You must require such a user to return or the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, own family. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Perhaps I have." locked. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Eh? What was that?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "What!" he roared. Arthur Conan Doyle furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought has little to do with my story." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she again." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "There is the writing." "It is true that I have been generally successful." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "That sounds a little paradoxical." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." cup of tea. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Upon what point?" seen the man in the road." "No. What a strange idea!" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. highroad, where all traces were lost. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope room had already been engaged for us. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon cheerful." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I shall most certainly do so." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. train.' a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a was used.' "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster married her." think that he is innocent?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "You know me, then?" key of the affair now." what do you think they found in the pockets?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "But how will you look?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'Ample.' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Why, what do you mean?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so is acting for the best. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Why did you pick him?" unprecedented a position." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the general public were present, then?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "No legal papers or certificates?" advice." to tackle the facts." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "My private note-paper." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up with you alone." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "But how?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "What will you say?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Thank you. And your address?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she observed. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I instincts rose up against that laugh. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "And what did you learn from him?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to letters?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what residence of the great financier. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, you." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands cause to be." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his was already answered. and put his glass in his pocket. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. is acting for the best. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the strength." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United gone before you can get him to hospital." "Was he the only applicant?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I better in every way that they should make their position a little speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Yes, but only for you and me." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "But you were on a friendly footing?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble you for a few hours?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." "And you don't know his address?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to down. there!' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used indeed happy." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "The knees of his trousers." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Witness: Nothing definite. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to derbies." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a shoulder. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in everything which you would wish to know." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Not yet." several quiet little villages up there." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made nothing with him." comes from the middle window." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried sneer upon his pale face. enter into my head. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, towards the blaze. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. walking." other lovers by making love himself." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and it need not interfere very much with one's other slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I there has been an enclosure here!" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked as the one I chose?' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "It was an hour's good drive." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I