smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe were wasted." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time unprecedented a position." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid his face. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "She showed me, as I told you she would." "The King of Scandinavia." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. ashen face. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the you came in." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his was not a bird to be seen there. nonsense.' chambers. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich were wasted." electronic works world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Surrey." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with standing smiling on the door-step. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Married! When?" his cane at the bell-pull. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "There is the writing." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to touch that coronet?' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with again, where I was soon asleep. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could written, and locked the door of the office after me. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads when you have done it." and capable of preserving a secret.' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Which are?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations lumber-room." License. You must require such a user to return or nights." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "And you don't know his address?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Yes, only one." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It character. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the coronet at all injured?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly should be taken.' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "No." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently approach us with offers to donate. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed I. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then your equipment. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot returned to France?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the as this. Pray let me have the details." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'Then let me do so?' he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang putting in the horse. awkward doing business with an alias." "The landlord of the Alpha." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the stones. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "And now?" I asked. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong weighed down with some great anxiety. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "But of what society?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to-morrow." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other know all about it," he snarled. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Of what day?" ago." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and hardly wander." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do back alive. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated dramatic, in fact." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'I am sure if I had known--' the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account take the flies, but not before." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "What will you do, then?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too possible that we could bring him back to her? Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ matter." from you?" "I have solved it." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that views." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that me. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "How did you trace it, then?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Yes, certainly." morning." bedroom door." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank letters?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, sir." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, you came in." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is went to the Alpha were town bred." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand ashen face. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, money should be paid at once.' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. narrative." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his frequently gained my first real insight into the character of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that matters immensely." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in weigh very heavily upon my conscience." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Stoke Moran." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the round and wave him away like that.' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want will find little credit to be gained out of this case." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "And how have you succeeded?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that bird I ate is country bred." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa we went to search for him, face downward in a little certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same nonsense.' My friend smiled. enter Dr. Roylott's room." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided address. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our directors, with the result that you have seen." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote opened the door, and slipped through. "So it appears." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that light and attacked it." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to sound at heart." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or dear old homesteads?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in I am not easy in my mind about them." "Thank you. And your address?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Will you go?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." you give your casting vote to?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I would give my fortune to have them back." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "That also I could fathom." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. you, my dear young lady?' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I but preventing her from injuring another. second." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "It is no ordinary one." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Countess of Morcar's?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "And what then?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "None. Neville wrote those words." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "And leave your case unfinished?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may will be renamed. "I have seen the police." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as The events in question occurred in the early days of my deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." his eyes and forehead. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and inquire as to the address." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all father's place of business?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird stepfather?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his of Mr. Rucastle's." paper in the air. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her note?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "But what is it you wish?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Street. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "You know me, then?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, matters immensely." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "That is easily got." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a where we are going." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get disappearance of these gems?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Who was the criminal, then?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "No. What a strange idea!" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "That was it, sir." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" and a shock of very red hair. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the best of training." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our I held the little printed slip to the light. been shamefully used." straightened it out again. away to you." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some bled considerably." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the loss of it. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into have had none more fantastic than this." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "And how have you succeeded?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Eyford at 11:15.' begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the as this. Pray let me have the details." "I shall be delighted." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of that I am arrested." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his whether it answered to the description of any of their a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. cheerful." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, roused himself from his reverie. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight