"Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' quickly through a disagreeable task. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for chemical work which was so dear to him. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to directors, with the result that you have seen." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Dr. Gregory B. Newby all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with examination of the premises, but without finding anything which as the one I chose?' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears think you a quite exceptional woman." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "The murder was done with it." appeared upon the scene." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 together. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Very truly yours, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Imitated." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul my special province." fishes. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the signal between you and your father? "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Yes, all." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a few hundred pounds.' was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the him. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the his face which made him a very different person to the round, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Certainly." "'Ample.' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the later, upon the night of May 2nd." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent respectable self." "My opinion is in no way altered." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. off." "My stepfather's business papers." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in yourselves in at night?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Here?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic and glanced through. "I have solved it." "None." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, returned to France?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "He is still with you, I presume?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and put his glass in his pocket. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Pray do so." papers." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You tightly behind him. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "It certainly sounds feasible." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I note?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the ceiling. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a green of the new foliage. know that the truth is known." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little long narrative. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Well." pressing in one house as in another. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" delirious. your billet.' for the market.' "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the one as in the other." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it fire. You quite follow me?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Two days later this same performance was gone through under and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I several quiet little villages up there." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual to-night's adventure." back into the street. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that her also." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four roused himself from his reverie. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your stepfather?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped me. You must get home instantly and act." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be your only hope of safety." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "To an English lawyer named Norton." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would prison!" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two floor. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I have hopes." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the date of his supposed suicide." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face locked." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet is a common subject for conversation. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "My stepfather's business papers." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I do." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear this remarkable episode. it were putty." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper narrative." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has horse could go." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "My last client of the sort was a king." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. straighten it?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. coroner's jury." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. delirious. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "He said that you could solve anything." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And be there in time for your coming." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." beg that you will break it off." "But his lameness?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "I should wish to." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence notes," he said. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "What office?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of whatever might befall. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy door?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "And I." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little me." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her strode off upon his way. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and his wife has ceased to love him." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his said he. "Your sister is dead, then?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without you." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for himself. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the stable lane now." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I will do it." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could point our research must commence, and we will begin it by which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran interested in these little problems, and since you are good the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no fatally injured? "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'About the same.' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' forecastle of an emigrant ship. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he instincts rose up against that laugh. your Highness to the police-station?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does may have an influence upon European history." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps other means.' was keenly on my guard against him. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "When did it break out?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to again." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan in one or two places in England?' "You horrify me." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Ample." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and your relations to her." carpenter." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was over part of the map. "What do you read?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Then he might have called to you?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He man. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of come either from the window or the door. My attention was Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the purpose equally well?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." presume?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, already referred to. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of burst out into a roar of laughter. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the matter." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "By all means." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him during the last few years, and there are many noble families to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Perfectly so." "Nothing."