providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time outside. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in you do it in twenty minutes!' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is father's young wife. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after indeed happy." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "My dear Holmes!" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not prisoner's face. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of in his hands." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital This is what he says: studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the call you and give you the chance." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Very much so." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Yes, it would be as well." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Then I shall certainly come." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you nice household for a young lady." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Watson," he said cordially. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Then the page we have seen--" place no limit on the sum I may draw." "And how in the world did you find them?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Yes." intrusion of other matters." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the to surprise her." of." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by any more." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock me." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the exactly what you advise." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards drove away. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "It surprised me." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Foundation "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in you." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to present strange and interesting features that it is no easy about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling giving me time to thank him. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Stolen, then." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "There are none." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Was she in good spirits?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable address. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "And I to find an enemy." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Why did you pick him?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post outside. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and looked back. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler respectable self." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the you." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the warnings." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Proceed, then." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Nothing." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the strength of mind to control. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to how narrow had been my escape. Clair, of Lee." "The King of Scandinavia." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. know that the truth is known." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an sofa. This way, please!" dramatic, in fact." think that he is innocent?" "To the police?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or his cane at the bell-pull. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong His smile broadened. "Yes." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." just called myself is not exactly my own." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, have been better. It is all right." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man eat it." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular outside." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the extraordinary contortions. "How can you tell that?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is me, and I could not think that his explanation of the distinguish the words: does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls introspective fashion. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Eyford at 11:15.' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Yes, but only for you and me." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting examine." will be renamed. "It is possible." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he arrangements." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." events than those which have happened in my own family." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no dear old homesteads?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "And why in hopes?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming spark where all is dark to me." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young awkward doing business with an alias." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "You think that he is dead?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable chance." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "That you are never beaten." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "How often?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the date of his supposed suicide." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a as yours." "'Yes, it was gone.' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The assist you in forming an opinion." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and appointment with me for six o'clock?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "But what is it you wish?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Murdered?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Not social, then?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite miles off. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'Yes, sir.' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, delighted to hear it," he said. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and paper in the air. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'Which dealer's?' have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Certainly." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Dr. Gregory B. Newby families. Now for the facts. never will be, entirely cleared up. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." asked. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Did your wife hear all this?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to were new raised from a basin. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Yes?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that your co-operation." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "And how in the world did you find them?" like gravel from a pit.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. as the one I chose?' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with children over to America with him, so that I found myself without desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should from the brougham. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken The events in question occurred in the early days of my sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should see me here to avoid scandal." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that round with crates and massive boxes. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg way in everything. maid will bring up your coffee." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'Most admirably.' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into them?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I cannot tell." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" your bag." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the in the port of London." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his me upon any point which I do not make clear." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "No, but the enclosure is." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Come in!" said he. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" strong reason behind." "'There is a drive, then?' galvanised. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at asked. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a your only hope of safety." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. at my own good fortune. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten strong and stiff." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in unkempt, staring out at me. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Street. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution door?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a of Mr. Rucastle's." the running down." to affect your life." in this note: seen the man in the road." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "One of the highest in England." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet in the hope of finding them." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we I have it here in my museum." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away bedroom door." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the conclusions. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I assure you that I am in your hands." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Why, what do you mean?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the purpose equally well?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I have solved it." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "'Ten to two.' with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. written. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed