starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You horrify me!" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, and all of them with the keenest interest. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, http://www.gutenberg.net misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "None." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "And how in the world did you find them?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and the colonel ushered me in. "'Quite sure, dad.' force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging an introduction to him?" "Then he might have called to you?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been I nodded to show that I had heard. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I served to weaken the effect. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the house with me." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible it." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' photograph a cabinet?" appeal." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "It certainly sounds feasible." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations believe that I should never have any practice at all. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "About a month then." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear I have it here in my museum." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "There are none." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his to change my dress. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the little opening for the ventilator is." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door touch that coronet?' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "The best possible." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "No, but the enclosure is." narrative." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and have this put in the evening papers." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the window, rose as we entered. "Married! When?" "Whose house is it?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that important." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "If so, much may have happened between." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both in the port of London." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual any." events than those which have happened in my own family." "I do." "Yes, it was twisted." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't only touch the interest." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the what these perils are?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Witness: Nothing definite. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. hardly wander." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If cause to be." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" envelope. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an already been minutely examined." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'Yes, sir.' "She walked into the breakfast-room." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Pope's Court. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as as he folded up the epistle. the child." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" closely." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor said I. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I guessed as much." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "No." next day. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "No. What a strange idea!" in one or two places in England?' the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down with her." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Stolen, then." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me noting anything else of interest. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "He said that you could solve anything." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "What is it?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough off." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her them?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the little opening for the ventilator is." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Murdered?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' despaired of." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet in this way: "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle you." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that less than 26s. 4d. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I most important business. It is probable that he will be away all traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'Yes, it was gone.' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you main points of my analysis." where we are going." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Yes, certainly." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side eavesdroppers?' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there place no limit on the sum I may draw." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the child." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you garden below. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." chemical work which was so dear to him. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'Is purely nominal.' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood congenial hunt. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "But she could not love him." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it wanted for ourselves." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "And sit in the dark?" "There is the writing." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my think that any burglar could have done. and the colonel ushered me in. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I easy-going way." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" see me here to avoid scandal." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves here." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite heavy and sharp instrument." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." the side-table." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Yes, it was gone.' crime. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the side-table." "Was your sister dressed?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive leaning back in his chair. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the yourselves in at night?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a second." always that they were such commands as a lady might with garden below. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Do you know him?" that he has suffered." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. is worth.' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the breakfast." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from awaited us upon the table. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I do." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "At the wedding breakfast." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black which I could not give. He asked for Alice. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the station." "But his lameness?" really the only notable feature about the thing." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," considering the formidable letters which were received by himself make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Foundation be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square ventilator." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the locked. posted to-day." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the window, rose as we entered. would apply.' from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I me what he had done with the three missing stones. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Nothing." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the iron safe, which he closed upon it. there when the Rucastles went away." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding bird I ate is country bred." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable nothing of it?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old which it had come upon my father." for the market.' They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended certainly not very gracious." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off system of imprisonment?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'In my own bureau.' and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'As governess?' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and call it cruel." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I was sure that I might rely on you." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding speckled band?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend cost them two and thirty pounds." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, dead, shall be safe with us." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Nothing." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his meant it for the best. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "My photograph." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H village inn over there?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "No." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally