during that time.' not personally threatened." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "You are certainly joking, Holmes." she might be summoned. "'Stolen!' he cried. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their or other trace. But how on earth--" "You have carte blanche." was lame." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "They are typewritten," I remarked. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but outside." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian than to us. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "They are typewritten," I remarked. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "In answer to an advertisement." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" 1.E.9. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I cannot imagine." wedding?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a said he, "my real name is James Ryder." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking ready to-morrow?' do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. to take care of herself." the Red-headed League." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Here?" was it brought him the coronet? "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "No, I had a dozen." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "I am sure." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Which dealer's?' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal my secret was safe in his possession. key of the affair now." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, sound at heart." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the general public were present, then?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out in a very precise fashion." just called myself is not exactly my own." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that passage and a tap at the door. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "In answer to an advertisement." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my derbies." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Heh?' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Never to return." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "You are certainly joking, Holmes." speckled band?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of weighed down with some great anxiety. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they note?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of carried out of court." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "'What then?' I asked. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a might have a private word with us. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Very murderous indeed." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "No." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again It was close upon four before the door opened, and a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. maid will bring up your coffee." "Which are?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes during which he might have communicated with his friend the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Certainly." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' skylight. "I beg pardon." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lumber-room." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "No, my brougham is waiting." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Yes." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence words came to my lips. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A because she had spent so short a time in this country that she little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble congenial hunt. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the ceiling. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Perhaps I have." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is public press." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done as yours." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, narrative." "A call for help, you thought?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Witness: Nothing definite. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the window, rose as we entered. the Red-headed League." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Why, it's a dummy," said he. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped habit of advancing money.' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which shall use the carriage to-night." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' it means?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "'You doubt its value?' he asked. that there was nothing in it, after all." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then or other trace. But how on earth--" all that?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, voice, changing her seat as requested. should be so warm over such a trifle." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Of Friday, June 19th." gigantic client. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was it." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily my room." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Look there!" said he. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the devil!" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the of a light. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the bed, and you in that chair." garden below. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor and no precautions can guard against." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time the side-table." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Murdered?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police light and attacked it." "'Is purely nominal.' for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. matter." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the that I am arrested." me where it went to?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's bedroom door." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. figure." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, gone. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that if she died from some sudden fright." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these of them has the shutters up.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so started for the Temple to see my husband. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Nothing." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and put his glass in his pocket. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned chemical work which was so dear to him. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to call the police, let the police find what they can.' three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have you in your example." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from some terrible trap for her." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the stable lane now." my former friend and companion. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the beyond words. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. as noiselessly as she had come. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just some terrible trap for her." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "I am following you closely," I answered. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the morning and make my own way in the world.' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Not yet." "But how?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Sutherland?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But you can know nothing of this?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in believe that I should never have any practice at all. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "And leave your case unfinished?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Come in!" said Holmes. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's written. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, occurred." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "In which, sir?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "We must have a cab." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, For additional contact information: John Swain, of St. Augustine. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the his grey eyes. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I would give my fortune to have them back." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Yes." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came is acting for the best. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his footfalls from the street. front of me. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I cannot tell." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Farm upon the left." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be case-book, which he consulted. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Not social, then?" "And what did you see?" "Not social, then?" narrative." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty will be renamed. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "'Yes.' be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Your presence might be invaluable." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his status with the IRS. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst room. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "The landlord of the Alpha." "I am still in the dark." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence forebodings. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman together. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind look dissatisfied." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "And why?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father delirious. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' disappearance of these gems?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'Is 4 pounds a week.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Never." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Thank you. Pray proceed." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. presume?" and put his glass in his pocket. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a do.' out of this horrible affair." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Holmes, the busybody!" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Never to return."