"There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." third from London." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "From his hat?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "That was it, sir." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'In my own bureau.' what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Count Von Kramm." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'What then?' I asked. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is union?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a crackling voice. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "That is possible." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "No, I am descending." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Oh, fresh and glossy." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "No bad?" the best of training." started for the Temple to see my husband. have I gained?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Again Holmes raved in the air. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "And Irene Adler?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker go back?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, weary and pale-looking. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony experiences." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, returning from some small jollification and was making his way written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of might help us?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set out." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. out of this horrible affair." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt geese which you supplied to the Alpha." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Again Holmes raved in the air. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the armchair which I pushed forward for him. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which said I. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in ran thus: alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "How about poison?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the warnings." "Then I am your man." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "In answer to an advertisement." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the interested in these little problems, and since you are good whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover as yours." my friend's incisive reasoning. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on beg that you will break it off." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "This concluded the examination of the witness." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a not fit the lock." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the clanging. when you have done it." cup of tea. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was throat." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "The knees of his trousers." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence points in connection with it which never have been, and probably although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "He might." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "You were travelling in the States?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "But your client--" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Eyford." there when the Rucastles went away." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes least a most suspicious remark." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me be sorry for having acted so harshly." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass and laid it on the table. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the out of this horrible affair." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Certainly." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." night.' said he. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could again, where I was soon asleep. do.' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back unclasping of his long thin hands. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the when you have done it." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire minor matters until to-morrow." started for the Temple to see my husband. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our of the vacancies.' sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in that?' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very speckled band?" or other trace. But how on earth--" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There know that the truth is known." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. with some details as to your case." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "I never have." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I is worth.' "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Do you know him?" "The doctor?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, roused himself from his reverie. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "I have come for advice." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "What shall I do?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than direction." "And from a noble client?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Why did you pick him?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." from you?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." enter Dr. Roylott's room." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in very morning of my second wedding." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Nothing?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I am still in the dark." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now prove to be little relation between the different incidents of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Not in a good cause." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I answered that I had not. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit It was close upon four before the door opened, and a instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "An enemy?" "Nearly eleven." "Perhaps I have." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so child?' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country signal between you and your father? "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "'Never.' defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth golden eyeglasses. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. your sleep?' He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to have I gained?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Was your sister dressed?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. grasp, he hurried from the room. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain feature." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in was a lad." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I should like to see him very much." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, will he say when he returns?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that dear old homesteads?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "What of the rat, then?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat careless servant girl?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love presented which may be striking and bizarre without being can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "It must be recovered." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Yes, it was twisted." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" telegram would bring me down to your help." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "It surprised me." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "If I can be of use." make me his representative both with the servants and with the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Yes, it was gone.' "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "No more words. Get out!" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Precisely." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. question. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our plantation.' in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Won't it ring?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "No, my brougham is waiting." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "If so, much may have happened between." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No good news?" back alive. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an there were so many in the whole country as were brought together see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter three fields round his house, and there he would take his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most