"I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that father's young wife. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "What?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'Is purely nominal.' met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm you, my dear young lady?' with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he tell me that you intended to go into harness." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the Red-headed League." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of yourselves in at night?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting are windows in it, of course?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'Certainly not. But why?' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch that you saw all that I did." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that assist you in forming an opinion." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a October 9, 1890. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. quickly through a disagreeable task. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could there!' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you strength." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and putting in the horse. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "What!" he roared. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the overpowering excitement and concern. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a sofa. This way, please!" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Won't it ring?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." know what is wrong with it.' "Then you may be so with me." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Were they all fastened this morning?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "What! You do not mean bodies?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my seem to you to be relevant or not." four million human beings all jostling each other within the read over the extraordinary announcement. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be child?' of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? his face. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich that before taking the final step I should like to submit the meant it for the best. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. relief. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." anything to do with the matter?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the coroner come to?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I seen the man in the road." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon them?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never as yours." "It was." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "It was." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Which surely he restored to their owner?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their your billet.' call it cruel." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear case-book, which he consulted. the one as in the other." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with our word." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "He disappeared so suddenly." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It one which it was hard to resist. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "On your arm?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it whatever might befall. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." not within a twentieth part of the market price." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, matter." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I words came to my lips. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Proceed, then." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" your room." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work States. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. breakfast?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven few hundred pounds.' his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and business?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Why, what do you mean?" "But he might be a bachelor." the stones. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of thin legs towards the fire. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I himself. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman since then to throw any light upon what became of him." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, to a more successful conclusion." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until guilty parties." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows tear off another piece?' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "What are they?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "The best possible." crackling voice. the warnings." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, them, and came down just as you departed. held up the lantern and gazed about him. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'What would be the hours?' I asked. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or like gravel from a pit.' means taking possession of that which another person has a prior after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. I shall continue with my miserable story. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours which I could not give. He asked for Alice. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of fact, we may call it conclusive." "Then the page we have seen--" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten back into the street. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "The King of Scandinavia." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I promise," said Holmes. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his roused himself from his reverie. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Yes." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Frequently." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it as yours." as the one I chose?' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly in the dead of the night?' written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "But his lameness?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to over here." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and your relations to her." "Did you become engaged then?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were in the hope of finding them." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready companion quietly. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. of the way of danger. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the mysterious business." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "But you were on a friendly footing?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Yes?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "A call for help, you thought?" are, I think, all that we need." DISSOLVED. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens confronted him. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. union?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving appointment with me for six o'clock?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "So I heard. You have him here?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable papers on the sundial.'" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "In heaven's name, what for?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "What, then?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Have you her photograph?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" indiscretion." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as straightened it out again. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I cannot say that I have." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but some city in a dream. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window correct than the official force." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the coronet in his hand?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I will get her to show me." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too I think that I could be of assistance to you." peculiar to him. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in there when the Rucastles went away." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom danger is over." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it meant." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we that?' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" populous neighbourhood." of the vacancies.' "And it is--" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "9th. McCauley cleared. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from of a light. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed points in connection with it which never have been, and probably connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is done what I asked you, Jones?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'Yes.' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "A client, then?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of questionable one." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may arms and began to sob in a high treble key. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia."