utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he ready to-morrow?' her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah had a long day." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed compunction about shooting them down." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I say that I have solved it." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "BALLARAT." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. to a more successful conclusion." desk. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back telegram would bring me down to your help." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Witness: It was. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in shag which I had seen upon the previous night. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. imbecility!" he cried. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Project Gutenberg-tm works. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the you." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "There are none." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that to some other building. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "No good news?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "It goes to the housekeeper's room." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Your sister is dead, then?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to me. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and thin legs towards the fire. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Heh?' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "On your arm?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was even so self-evident a thing as that." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm it." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "And how did he make his money?" "Do you go out much in society?" was a lad." that "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I fire. You quite follow me?" article?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during taking in every detail of the apartment. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was over with notes and figures. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you beyond words. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. do.' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I should wish to." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get information in his hands the value of which he did not himself a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit through." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got you came in." article?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was correct than the official force." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the carried out of court." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of weary and pale-looking. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son been." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "She told me to ask you." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of her also." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a derbies." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "'Yes.' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I fear not." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Precisely." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared particular state visit http://pglaf.org made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "When did she vanish, then?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At only touch the interest." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "At the wedding breakfast." ago." and wait." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "'And the work?' much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster then?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving purpose equally well?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "ARAT," I read. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Nothing." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "And now?" I asked. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled gentleman's clothes. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "We must have a cab." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Pray tell us what has happened to you." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I see no marks." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from may have an influence upon European history." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I shall continue with my miserable story. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest you came in." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is upon a handsome competence. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'As governess?' Lee, in the county of Kent." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "He slept on the premises." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, quick march!" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "But she will refuse." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "But you have hopes?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "I will get her to show me." said Mr. Holder. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from in the port of London." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the station." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately remarked. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is bonnet, and went out." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Quite so. She has her freedom." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I fear not." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "And I." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. father's place of business?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, to arrive at through this?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I guessed as much." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the did not hear it also.' "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect night.' said he. families. Now for the facts. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Of what day?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young look upon these things in a different way." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I should be immensely obliged to you." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "But how did you gain them?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his garden below. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "But he might be a bachelor." to a light-house. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he she to prove their authenticity?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the business?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "But who is he?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Oh, yes, easily." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "You have but to name it." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the house with me." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "I cannot tell." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had such attractions and accomplishments?' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Awake, Watson?" he asked. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "How did that help you?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'And the work?' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." time." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced held up the lantern and gazed about him. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the of receipt of the work. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I know where it is." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a narrative." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. husband's writing, madam." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Pope's Court. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' the side-table." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an strong reason behind." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "No." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even upon a handsome competence. to affect your life." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his beg that you will break it off." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his rooms." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I see many objections to any such theory." was already answered. Literary Archive Foundation that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's do you make of it all?" orange pips. had picked up in the wood. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the presented more singular features than that which was associated Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "And now?" He raised his hand. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the south-west, I see." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "The rest you will leave in our hands." used to be." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the galvanised. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who new acquaintance to Baker Street. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. taking in every detail of the apartment. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of nice household for a young lady." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little it.