'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the lumber-room." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found less than 26s. 4d. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Literary Archive Foundation over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Very truly yours, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He all?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "A client, then?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Then he might have called to you?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Yes, he did." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Where is it, then?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding II. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence lumber-room." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I will, Miss Turner." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "It's nothing of the kind." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the out." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my morning." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" pressing in one house as in another. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes mysterious business." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His matter." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "And why?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Upon what point?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear green of the new foliage. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the are, I think, all that we need." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the inquest, and which are worth considering." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." morning." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." there is a decided draught." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Dark enough and sinister enough." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is pressing in one house as in another. "What is it?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Whose house is it?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Watson," he said cordially. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of Fenchurch Street." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I to Leatherhead. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'You cannot say what it was?' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard tension within him. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "To an English lawyer named Norton." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Then I do not see the point." breakfast." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not drove away. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position narrative." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a time." pierced for earrings?" of them has the shutters up.' this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the obstinate." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his golden eyeglasses. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "At what time?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Nothing." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly said he, "my real name is James Ryder." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if child?' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Very murderous indeed." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the to his chemical studies. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain girl said." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular sneer upon his pale face. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have place, I think that there is good ground to think that the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. a little more before I quite committed myself. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you she has been waylaid. There has been no result." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in several quiet little villages up there." good for you to do.' your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "ARAT," I read. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "A confidential servant?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Certainly." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has side. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. ourselves in the office." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. John Swain, of St. Augustine. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Look there!" said he. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting might help us?" Chief Executive and Director "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Witness: I must still refuse. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "It is a murder, then?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "So it appears." help us in this matter." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. better in every way that they should make their position a little chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the works. See paragraph 1.E below. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he that he will be back before evening." "But you can know nothing of this?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter to-night?" I asked. beg that you will break it off." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying way in everything. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Ample." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head everything which you would wish to know." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which affair. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." was lame." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I am about to be married." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the inner apartment." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Ten will be early enough." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls have one." father's place of business?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "It is very clear." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Heh?' instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, wedding?" Watson," he said cordially. Doctor, of the paper and the date." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "At what time?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. John Swain, of St. Augustine. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to papers diligently of late, have you not?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Have you her photograph?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "And did you observe any change in her then?" open." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and of it with the greatest attention. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." off." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "And you can do nothing until then?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Leave Paddington by the 11:15." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Precisely." outside. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City at my remark. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk returned to France?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated leave you to your papers for a little." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing thirty. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Were they all fastened this morning?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided goes." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the your bag." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "That also I could fathom." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." fluttered off among the others. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And the cigar-holder?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It within hail.' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner asked. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of it with the greatest attention. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I will, Miss Turner." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but out of this horrible affair." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him sparkled upon his finger. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "And Irene Adler?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave she to prove their authenticity?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I have hopes." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "His face fell immediately. "No bad?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion go from here to the Strand." his face. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, colour had been driven from his face. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third