hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which opened the door, and slipped through. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "About a month then." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, joking. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, It may be so in this case, also." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered point in the dark hollow of his hand. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Have you her photograph?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "I guessed as much." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office was already answered. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in it." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'I shall certainly be there.' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm views." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael assist you in forming an opinion." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "The rest you will leave in our hands." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "About a month then." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and your equipment. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did depend upon my doing so.' France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to never will be, entirely cleared up. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of fasten all the windows?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united are windows in it, of course?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the of the one which your family is now devouring." made his money." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have than was visible to me." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. then?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted would apply.' weary and pale-looking. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that ceremony." "He is still with you, I presume?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that that he has suffered." strength in the others." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great believe that I should never have any practice at all. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a him to go away.' spare." past. clanging. to his chemical studies. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "No?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "He said that you could solve anything." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting it. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and your equipment. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "How did you trace it, then?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'I have already given you my word.' heavily into it. had this final quarrel? seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who done what I asked you, Jones?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Ten will be early enough." was a loud and authoritative tap. becomes even more simple." "Certainly." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less plantation.' had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'There is a drive, then?' did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair developed." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you she to prove their authenticity?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually one of the states of the Union." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen spare." "I have seen the police." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I will try. What is it?" time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting your most interesting statement." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My works. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to change my dress. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about said he. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so acquaintance?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what too. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "'Very good.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "In heaven's name, what for?" "Not him." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and true." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the window, rose as we entered. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "What then?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "And how did you find out?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Countess of Morcar's?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are whole matter to your consideration." "She will not sell." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. individual and becomes the badge of a society." the morning and make my own way in the world.' determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. round with crates and massive boxes. carpenter." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Was he the only applicant?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And how did you find out?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our unprecedented a position." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "You know me, then?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent have been better. It is all right." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the instituted." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "And now?" He raised his hand. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which matters immensely." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Imitated." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the touch that coronet?' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, dear old homesteads?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "A client, then?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of all that?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm over with notes and figures. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Yes. He waved his hands." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "How did you deduce the select?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." ceremony." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while forehead. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by friends, not even his own brother. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is you." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a new duties?' hair?' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Well, but China?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your that I can to serve you." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Very murderous indeed." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. assist you in forming an opinion." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "The gentleman I describe." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and started for the Temple to see my husband. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "That is possible." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may and the whole place is in a blaze." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as it with his own hands." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Is he quiet?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go because she had spent so short a time in this country that she down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to this unhappy family?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "What then?" "The doctor?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended helping a boy to put up the shutters. empty. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. 1.F. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him with frightened eyes at his accuser. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'No, I know no one in these parts.' or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Holmes' room. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my she might be summoned. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of three fields round his house, and there he would take his "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very question," said Holmes, smiling. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Entirely." "You horrify me!" "But we can't all be." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the fatally injured? "Yes." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Bought." For additional contact information: "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the little opening for the ventilator is." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," criminal. We have already had experience of such." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong papers diligently of late, have you not?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he young Openshaw's." "It surprised me." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "And now?" I asked. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt could go. drawing your inferences." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Yes." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One you understand?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the child." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to this Miss Turner." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, your bag." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, whereabouts. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Clair, of Lee." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by have I gained?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the one as in the other." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the little opening for the ventilator is." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "What is it, then--a fire?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock he died? photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "It certainly sounds feasible." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Holmes." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and your relations to her." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, daring than any effort of the imagination." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said carried out of court." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "He said that you could solve anything." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a