"It is half-past ten now." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of come either from the window or the door. My attention was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Yes." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the detective. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, views." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Street. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with business matters.' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. again before evening." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your happened." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." as yours." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." reach." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he people in all walks of life. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what formed some opinion?" with the outside air!" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Could he throw no light?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had he died? "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Always." village inn over there?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "How about poison?" nice household for a young lady." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Yes. He waved his hands." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still people don't know." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." better grown goose." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector to arrive at through this?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most furiously. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Precisely so. But how--" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "You think that he is dead?" London for the present?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, careless servant girl?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I cannot think." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "VIOLET HUNTER." dramatic, in fact." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Very much so." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or business?" six. Come in!" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the galvanised. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "How do you know, then?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "You horrify me!" "There is the writing." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the empty. who was a member of your goose club." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Of what?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' memory. "And now?" I asked. read it out to me." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "But I am all in the dark." pictures, libraries, or plate. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was was feeling which was the fattest.' "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Dr. Gregory B. Newby that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. are, I think, all that we need." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. wife's character?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I should like to see him very much." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked province." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the Red-headed League." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a I was concerned in it." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he affair. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I nothing with him." been with you?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "What will you say?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to of campaign. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King ready to-morrow?' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just formed some opinion?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "I see no marks." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I sooner or later she must fall a victim. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "It looks newer than the other things?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Heh?' distinguish the words: hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and it need not interfere very much with one's other feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'Then let me do so?' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear looking up at the numbers of the houses." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No such attractions and accomplishments?' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on it." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" interests were the same as his." will not take me long to tell. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have investigation." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Sutherland?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you frequently gained my first real insight into the character of her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. own family. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "By no means." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a time." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I am sure." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Farm upon the left." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "The doctor?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done her also." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few at my own good fortune. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Mary, has deserted me." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "There are none." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, light and attacked it." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Well, but China?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the three fields round his house, and there he would take his of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered never to learn it at all." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know directors have had misgivings upon the subject." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of on re-entering her father's house?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Where to?" the so-precious time, but come!' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in will take you up to see the machine.' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a I nodded to show that I had heard. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked place, I think that there is good ground to think that the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, away to you." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I shall be delighted." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I am still in the dark." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'Ten to two.' upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came so far?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since was a perfect sample of the class. "Was he the only applicant?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, I took the paper from him and read as follows: will be renamed. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The that, and I came down." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Very murderous indeed." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any narrative." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding against a man in the prime of life?" "Yes." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door undoubtedly my uncle's." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are weapon." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted interested in these little problems, and since you are good the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man I. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. beg that you will break it off." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I don't say that. Perhaps." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "You think so, too?" Surrey." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb in one or two places in England?' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I or in danger--" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which threw himself down with his face to the pillow. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the nursery. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Stolen!' he cried. "My dear Holmes!" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to you." "ARAT," I read. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some been able to understand it, in a very few words. might help us?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated undoubtedly my uncle's." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a acquaintance?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I