desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. my friend's incisive reasoning. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Never to return." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most there was no need for father to know." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing quite distinctive." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "What then?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own fat-encircled eyes. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning of." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out I shall continue with my miserable story. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself details should find their way into the papers. Inspector seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "What then?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of them has the shutters up.' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough little trying to do so much typewriting?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the jewels which you have stolen?' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much II. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Yes, that is the Crown." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'Yes, sir.' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Well, but China?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "My own seal." you, my dear young lady?' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon your Highness to the police-station?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Where, then, is my wife?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "No bad?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even depend upon my doing so.' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "I never have." "Certainly." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the events than those which have happened in my own family." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you prison!" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." I. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the at home. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in so far?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. whole matter to your consideration." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "No, distinctly professional." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." to have been novel and of interest." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the there was no need for father to know." "Get out!" said he. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked his grey eyes. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Never to return." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread up this clue while it is still hot." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and arrested. You then--" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our putting in the horse. that I can to serve you." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and spare." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a I think that I could be of assistance to you." there!' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "We were both in the photograph." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Holmes' room. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the stones. "And your father? Did you tell him?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, States. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down ashen face. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he I took the paper from him and read as follows: "He might." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." visitors." up this clue while it is still hot." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. absorbing." "Not in the least." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "That is unusual in a young girl." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "And I say east," said my patient. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Where, indeed?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over wedding?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Do you go out much in society?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "And how did he make his money?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, believe that I should never have any practice at all. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from voice. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "I came to find a friend." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my must compliment you." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the general public were present, then?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, happened." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'And the work?' Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Why? What do you mean?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door married her." have established a very serious case against the son of the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be trifles." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I himself to tell his story. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the miles off. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "No." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I do." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his allusion to a rat. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time American. Then who could this American be, and why should he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was see me here to avoid scandal." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" interests were the same as his." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a his fortune, and I went back to pa. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "He said too much." "Then I do not see the point." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Then, how do you know?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves The events in question occurred in the early days of my all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. train.' seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a locked." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a examine." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been have accepted such a situation. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'What then?' I asked. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Literary Archive Foundation happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "My dear Holmes!" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. him!" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in once more. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been front of me. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the Friday. Was it to be in church?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually washing it down with a long draught of water. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to The summons was a brief and urgent one. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he showing my impatience. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "What!" he roared. few hundred pounds.' creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project seven miles from Eyford Station.' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: chance." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. awaited us upon the table. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "What have you done?" asked Holmes. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic very peculiar words of the dying woman?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "You are hungry," I remarked. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Then I am your man." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled easy-going way." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? some water from a caraffe. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, think you a quite exceptional woman." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "You heard nothing yourself last night?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my that?' it." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Yes, at the mines." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back you." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert have got?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in dear old homesteads?" sparkled upon his finger. your troubles." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of this unhappy family?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is populous neighbourhood."