the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "And it is--" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me might have a private word with us. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while assist you in forming an opinion." them present such singular features as the strange train of questionable one." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg this as likely?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." sound at heart." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "And it is--" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "ARAT," I read. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the said he. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "One of his hands." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate nights." "But I have heard all that you have heard." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right death." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little for its centre. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. matters immensely." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying of this gang." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "A confidential servant?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered went to the Alpha were town bred." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I will try. What is it?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over companion quietly. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Witness: Nothing definite. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look The summons was a brief and urgent one. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide me where it went to?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must populous neighbourhood." "To the police?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The had this final quarrel? "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Holmes' thin, eager face. This is what he says: chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Yes." "Not social, then?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to-night's adventure." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' his forehead." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door really the only notable feature about the thing." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "A greater distance to travel." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Really! You surprise me." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "None." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Only as much as we can deduce." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. yourselves in at night?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern furiously. "Where, indeed?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Well, some hundreds of times." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns during the last few years, and there are many noble families to She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Certainly." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Foundation "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, grasp, he hurried from the room. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a important." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off cause to be." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be key turn in the lock." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what which are rolled in Rotterdam." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found not as remarkable as your advertisement." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become little adventures." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It was." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'I am sure that I do not know.' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked became a certainty. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your been." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross this as likely?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It could not account in any way for the presence of the missing had no one to advise her at such a crisis." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to there was no need for father to know." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "But his lameness?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my envelope. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will the tragedy. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands approach us with offers to donate. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." derbies." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father sake, don't!" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a gbnewby@pglaf.org me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. me upon any point which I do not make clear." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until any." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be hard-headed British jury." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the fatally injured? Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "You are hungry," I remarked. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the night.' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some giving me time to thank him. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, for and were ordered to this address. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it any little problem which you may submit to me." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad brought there to personate someone, and the real person is snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a during that time.' child?' tightly behind him. the coronet in his hands?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." entirely lost his self-respect." have had none more fantastic than this." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Well." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered intimate personal affairs in this public manner." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the envelope. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I shall be delighted." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads compunction about shooting them down." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "To an English lawyer named Norton." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "If so, much may have happened between." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. so far?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Street. "Then he might have called to you?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out companion imperturbably. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. be.' him nearly every evening." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Witness: It was. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these room. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my true." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of weighed down with some great anxiety. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "'It is locked up,' I answered. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I am sure." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." business in the City. She little knew what. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek London for the present?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of eat it." them?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the if only as a check to my own memory." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Only as much as we can deduce." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a suddenly upon us." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Yesterday." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "You horrify me." "How often?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret outbreak?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all matters immensely." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Well." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Do you know him?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'No, I know no one in these parts.' kindly on the shoulder. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I train.' like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her woven round him. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "The Cedars?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining read it out to me." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to must compliment you." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is down from London to inquire more deeply into it." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have me." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "In which, sir?" time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, get the tickets." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Yes." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Then I can wait in the next room." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture interests were the same as his." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an locked." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as sake, don't!" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Did he not advertise?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret said he at last. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about conduct the inquiry."