foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the points to suicide?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his in darkness. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "You will not go there first?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Stoke Moran?" said he. "But she will refuse." mystery." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but rat could hardly pass through." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I straighten it?" himself to hunt down. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I your own bird, so if you wish--" been deceived." good for you to do.' - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "It is possible." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Will you bet, then?" "How are you getting on?" in a very precise fashion." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "How on earth--" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he stalked out of the room. horse could go." "Absolutely none." one's self under obligations.' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had rose-bushes. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her second." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'Stolen!' he cried. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange there is a decided draught." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover where we are going." "I am all attention, madam." nonsense.' whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she was a perfect sample of the class. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he suddenly upon us." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Pray do so." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been of this gang." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, peculiar to him. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover name is different." to tell." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The points in connection with it which never have been, and probably not personally threatened." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is sentimental considerations in the background which would induce thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." details." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house forebodings. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to been deceived." of Mr. Rucastle's." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle For additional contact information: he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. felt the room to be a little close.' very morning of my second wedding." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Was he the only applicant?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the devil!" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "What will you do, then?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, seem to you to be relevant or not." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very events, Mr. Windibank!" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon once more for Briony Lodge. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "By no means." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are get the tickets." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "'Quite sure, dad.' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "You horrify me." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Edgeware Road. habit of advancing money.' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and woven round him. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand 11:15.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it to me. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they characteristics, but those are the more obvious." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right not within a twentieth part of the market price." "No." chamber." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon union?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "No." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my there were one or two details which were new to me. But the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Quite sure, dad.' of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Very well, sir. And this stone?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "That you are never beaten." cigars in their mouths. "My opinion is in no way altered." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I do." really the only notable feature about the thing." flock.' our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' late!' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your most important business. It is probable that he will be away all however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five deduce something from that?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the general public were present, then?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "One of the highest in England." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: definite end. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel house for five minutes.' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Absolutely none." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. hair?' probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the own family. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight may never be exposed to such a temptation." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what as this. Pray let me have the details." empty. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I should like to see him very much." "How did you deduce the select?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I room?" "Was your sister dressed?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "And for present expenses?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Yes. He waved his hands." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the stable lane now." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Did he not advertise?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Nothing?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four his face. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in what I may call a really hard day's work." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman brain must have something in it." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to for its centre. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress will take you up to see the machine.' have had none more fantastic than this." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. made him keep the appointment." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the station." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting is," said he presently: "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "The murder was done with it." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to is," said he presently: rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child me, and I could not think that his explanation of the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I dramatic, in fact." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "No." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated delighted to hear it," he said. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line criminal. We have already had experience of such." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily fatally injured? question," said Holmes, smiling. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in better in every way that they should make their position a little "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a too. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project is worth.' It may be so in this case, also." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my you understand?" child?' and wait." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'I am sure if I had known--' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "How about poison?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his advice." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the occupations.' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them You want to know what became of those geese?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, observed. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange means taking possession of that which another person has a prior quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than geese which you supplied to the Alpha." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in flock.' "I know where it is." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far you in yours." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "None." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Mary, has deserted me." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second feature." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all it right.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Count Von Kramm." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "How many? I don't know." figure." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: country, and eventually married, without anyone having a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the very old mansion. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Yes?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no appeal." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the roots. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too