passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable our word." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I came to find a friend." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I will do it." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Yesterday." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "She showed me, as I told you she would." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Well, it is a possible supposition." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the room while you explain this matter?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Why did you beat the pavement?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and long narrative. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was we went to search for him, face downward in a little certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast the armchair which I pushed forward for him. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Then, as to money?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Witness: I must still refuse. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "What is it, then--a fire?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it whatever might befall. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no remarked. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if a very grave face. DAMAGE. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "What will you do, then?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am hair?' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but business?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "It came here." acquaintance?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you character. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the dangers which encompass me." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Here?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and files of the old papers, following the future career of every myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Leadenhall Street--and--" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk which we had just quitted. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress garden below. must compliment you." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "The best possible." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "It goes to the housekeeper's room." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "That was it, sir." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do room?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too astonishment. the date of his supposed suicide." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "No, I had a dozen." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the bare slabs of marble. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our once more on the important position which you have been fortunate with you alone." beg that you will break it off." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which before, for it was considerably after midnight. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it against a man in the prime of life?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "A client, then?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless is now desirous of getting those letters back." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." I shall communicate with you." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or to a light-house. posted to-day." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "My dear Holmes!" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped whole matter to your consideration." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." child?' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll tear off another piece?' "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has of note-paper. It read in this fashion: here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "How long did she speak to this Alice?" with the outside air!" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case whatever might befall. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of campaign. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "What are they?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the in. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. fatally injured? "You did not overhear what they said?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at my room." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and a shock of very red hair. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "An accident, I presume?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his to change my dress. row." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I am in hopes that she does." my friend's incisive reasoning. "So it appears." spark where all is dark to me." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "What will you do, then?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I fear not." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Have you her photograph?" "The Cedars?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "The gentleman I describe." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Project Gutenberg-tm works. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New if only as a check to my own memory." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he not interfere, come what may. You understand?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Pray be precise as to details," said he. should be taken.' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered was lame." did not hear it also.' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "And I say east," said my patient. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of point in the dark hollow of his hand. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "They are typewritten," I remarked. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "What then?" 'please.'" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that some city in a dream. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." you." one's self under obligations.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by to change my dress. Gutenberg-tm License. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "No bad?" morning." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the that I may have something better before very many minutes are the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "We must have a cab." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending But Holmes shook his head gravely. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story place, I think that there is good ground to think that the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was status with the IRS. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have back to my heart. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it highly," said Holmes. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of trifles." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling showing my impatience. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small good for you to do.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" breakfast." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Stolen." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should matter." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my beg that you will break it off." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "We have tried and failed." arrested. You then--" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'What are you doing there?' he asked. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and the whole place is in a blaze." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of power." "He is dead," cried several voices. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his not fit the lock." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. horse could go." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we fuss that is made over them." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to power." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that had a long day." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his in his power. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it it." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "But he might be a bachelor." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "How do you know, then?" "I should wish to." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000