"Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But not more so than I to find you." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that in darkness. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Cross for the Continent." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the salesman. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "That also I could fathom." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we a suggestive one." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in few hundred pounds.' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'And the work?' reach." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my upon the sideboard." hard-headed British jury." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "How are you getting on?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the becomes even more simple." had died away into the silence from which it rose. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." said I. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, in this note: together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "'I am sure if I had known--' good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us quite distinctive." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Was she in good spirits?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Then you may entirely rely on me." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor chance." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that points to suicide?" III. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less guilty parties." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Heh?' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' you." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector was a lad." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "It is true that I have been generally successful." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Seven!" I answered. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official article?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "That also I could fathom." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the loss of it. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry soul! here is her carriage at the door." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "His face fell immediately. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for rose-bushes. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Of Friday, June 19th." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' come either from the window or the door. My attention was you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "How are you getting on?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to imbecility!" he cried. in one or two places in England?' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to disappearance of the bride.'" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been address. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is DAMAGE. help us in this matter." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner friend's singular character. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "She will not sell." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining ran thus: several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his you in your example." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Why did you pick him?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "How do you know, then?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the clang of the bell. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father horse could go." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, mystery!" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This one of the states of the Union." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having one or two very singular points about this room. For example, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed writing, and yet I know it well." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the child." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I their singular warning or token before them when starting upon hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while enter into my head. the inquest, and which are worth considering." opened the door, and slipped through. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "It is his hat." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Very murderous indeed." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Is purely nominal.' have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not will take you up to see the machine.' "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which enough to aid us in our search." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "I should be immensely obliged to you." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in power." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than companion. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "My dear Holmes!" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of neither fascinating nor artistic." was a loud and authoritative tap. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and crackling voice. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, events, Mr. Windibank!" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was shaken than I had ever seen him. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Holmes' face clouded over. closely." himself. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." him, that man would not have given me such complete information to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "You horrify me!" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked you?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what nonsense.' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "That was it, sir." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it chill to my heart. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you where we are going." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is house for five minutes.' client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the pierced for earrings?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the morning and make my own way in the world.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be my secret was safe in his possession. absorbing." "'Which dealer's?' and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Did he not advertise?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I pierced for earrings?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' that there was nothing in it, after all." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who you came in." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted affair. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for address. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Get out!" said he. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Eyford at 11:15.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you my former friend and companion. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all woman who has had her own way to make in the world. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box searched, without anything being found which could incriminate who was a member of your goose club." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. business." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." begun to whiten, even as mine has." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' chemical work which was so dear to him. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with look dissatisfied." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "It is very kind of you." habit of advancing money.' behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Leave Paddington by the 11:15." know what is wrong with it.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and not come at once?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, when your master had gone out." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. obstinate." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should examine." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "No. What a strange idea!" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the warnings." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Ample." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he him nearly every evening." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then I was concerned in it." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the system of imprisonment?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for joking. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And that is--" "That's no good." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Only as much as we can deduce." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself