building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. DAMAGE. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for disappearance of these gems?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that drove away. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I cannot say that I have." comes from the middle window." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a time." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "You were travelling in the States?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "He is dead," cried several voices. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. answer." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to said he at last. come either from the window or the door. My attention was returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which furiously. prepare for the new role I have to play." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different letters?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never served to weaken the effect. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Of Friday, June 19th." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who there!' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a had died away into the silence from which it rose. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers again on its way. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his over with notes and figures. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'Most admirably.' such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up unclasping of his long thin hands. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "9th. McCauley cleared. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider chance." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "He disappeared so suddenly." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly few hundred pounds.' feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that to talk it over. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I am armed." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it straighten it?" matter over." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter His smile broadened. fact, we may call it conclusive." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated down. "Nothing." you give your casting vote to?" villagers almost as much as their master. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for client, rising. to-night?' Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "And help." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Indeed! Whose, then?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I assure you that I am in your hands." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." unkempt, staring out at me. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check bedroom door." "What are they?" "My photograph." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Very good.' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I were new raised from a basin. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Holmes, the busybody!" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell assist you in forming an opinion." "You know me, then?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not posted to-day." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself upon the sideboard." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "VIOLET HUNTER." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the secret." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Yes, he did." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "How are you getting on?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon simple cases which are so extremely difficult." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to indiscretion." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'And what are they worth?' I asked. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for it." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "I have seen the police." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "I assure you that I am in your hands." "But we can't all be." "That also I could fathom." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I shall most certainly do so." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old The King stared at him in amazement. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great daring than any effort of the imagination." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. colour had been driven from his face. "About a month then." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, that?' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the coronet in his hands?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am as the one I chose?' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, undoubtedly my uncle's." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "None." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and lumber-room." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the child." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged our word." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "What have you to say now?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will it with his own hands." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I words came to my lips. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Farm upon the left." "I will try. What is it?" way in everything. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the most interesting one." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I key turn in the lock." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "This concluded the examination of the witness." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of heavy and sharp instrument." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel McCarthy." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It is a murder, then?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I tapping his fingers upon the table. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." mystery." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert woman who has had her own way to make in the world. someone who had been in Australia." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of burst out into a roar of laughter. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "You forget that I know nothing about it." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "And what then?" train.' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has tassel actually lying upon the pillow. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "The vanishing of the lady." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know so far?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Does that suggest anything?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DISSOLVED. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her brandy and water within his reach. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "No, I had a dozen." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, what is your own theory as to what took place?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "A greater distance to travel." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "May I see it?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." views." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he gentleman's clothes. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" be.' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "But I have heard all that you have heard." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire infinite languor in his face. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then good-night and bustled off upon her way. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and of Mr. Rucastle's." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked advice." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Very much so." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I see many objections to any such theory." redistribution. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated You want to know what became of those geese?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Absolutely none." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "But it has twice been burgled." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Certainly, madam." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to you came in." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again without success. At last the little money which I had saved began which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran unprecedented a position." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "How often?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "But his left-handedness." gone. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what one which it was hard to resist. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, know that the truth is known." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such never came back." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove me what he had done with the three missing stones. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "But what will you do?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Game for a morning drive?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should be so warm over such a trifle." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of child?' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will third from London." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party was used.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the armchair which I pushed forward for him. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "And how have you succeeded?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable gigantic client. "But what is it you wish?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Yes." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf discontent upon his features. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "My private note-paper." "No, I think that I'll take it." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "But how could you guess what the motive was?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may breakfast?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "It is true that I have been generally successful." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a my little problems."