though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." laugh and put his lips to my ear. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "You think so, too?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into easy-going way." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I cannot think." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I am to be neutral?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his http://www.gutenberg.net "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "I am about to be married." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "It certainly sounds feasible." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "But it has twice been burgled." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and do.' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving manager. "VIOLET HUNTER." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well question you as to those details which seem to me to be most would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "What is it?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Then you may entirely rely on me." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in face and glided from the room. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That to tackle the facts." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. upon the white wrist. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still outside. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and your most interesting statement." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. call the police, let the police find what they can.' "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. that threaten you." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the stones. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind compunction about shooting them down." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Eyford." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On cost them two and thirty pounds." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed brandy and water within his reach. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. experiences." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the seem to you to be relevant or not." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the Red-headed League." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. that you can jump it.' "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much union?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "My dear Holmes!" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to one of the states of the Union." "'Certainly not.' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes you for a few hours?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "But his lameness?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, money should be paid at once.' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole about. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "How can you tell that?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my gbnewby@pglaf.org brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "That you are never beaten." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, conclusions. pound a week." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must carriage. It was a chestnut." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "How did you deduce the select?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no row." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Mrs. Toller serenely. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my did not hear it also.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Yes." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "No, but the enclosure is." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she had died away into the silence from which it rose. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the roots. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you on re-entering her father's house?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Here?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "'Ten to two.' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "No?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Yes, that is the Crown." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'In my own bureau.' hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the instincts rose up against that laugh. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert have got?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the armchair which I pushed forward for him. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no goes." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her it were putty." the address that was given us in the advertisement. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, conclusions. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming wall." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it kind enough to tell me what I should do." "She told me to ask you." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to could go. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the ceiling. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain information in his hands the value of which he did not himself son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove is worth.' "Where, indeed?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Yes, the wine-cellar." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if rat could hardly pass through." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning gbnewby@pglaf.org "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" room?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she to his chemical studies. "And what did you see?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" confronted him. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man later, upon the night of May 2nd." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And how did you verify them?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been or in danger--" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Holmes' thin, eager face. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of of the vacancies.' "'And the work?' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I figure." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and be. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "'Is 4 pounds a week.' before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I back to my heart. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite system of imprisonment?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than acquaintance?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The have been better. It is all right." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope possible that we could bring him back to her? "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried bedroom door." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his lectures into a series of tales." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "What, then, did Peterson do?" of them has the shutters up.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Pray do so." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from sufficient punishment." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which enter Dr. Roylott's room." this remarkable episode. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the date of his supposed suicide." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Project Gutenberg-tm works. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty do you make of it all?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" better grown goose." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him soul! here is her carriage at the door." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it narrative." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for how narrow had been my escape. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now swore that no one else had been in the front room during the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "I have come for advice." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you think you a quite exceptional woman." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love