"'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave 1.F. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, about. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "May I see it?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away room?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the lamp in his hand. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the which our visitor detailed to us. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the said he. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a writer." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "I see no marks." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I shall most certainly do so." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew client, rising. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have name is different." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in existence." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied had this final quarrel? "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "She will not sell." secret." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed perplexity from it to my illustrious client. it." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis here and I will read it to you: memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when be best to do. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew province." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me which should have the effect of calling the attention of the pierced for earrings?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it what is your own theory as to what took place?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "What is it, then--a fire?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Oh, yes, easily." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of was a loud and authoritative tap. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with distinguish the words: "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "And it is--" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Mary, has deserted me." certainly do as you advise." I shall continue with my miserable story. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the general public were present, then?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "And you don't know his address?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am upon the white wrist. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I was mad--insane." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before case before our client came into the room." foot. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting breakfast and whispered something to her husband. morning." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a comes from the middle window." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg particular state visit http://pglaf.org "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I cannot imagine." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "What are they?" "It looks newer than the other things?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and that he would see to anything that turned up. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "But he might be a bachelor." case-book, which he consulted. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Precisely so. But how--" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Holmes. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise observed. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in geese which you supplied to the Alpha." child?' empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning arms and began to sob in a high treble key. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and system of imprisonment?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with closely." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I should like to see him very much." your co-operation." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so foot. said I. of receipt of the work. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'I am sure that I do not know.' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "I know where it is." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some jewels which you have stolen?' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family fled together." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Again Holmes raved in the air. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking colonel looking down at me. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "No legal papers or certificates?" back alive. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "And why?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "10th. John Swain cleared. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we hour?' Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Stoke Moran." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera It may be so in this case, also." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "But you have hopes?" "Certainly." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have any more." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps of your young ladies.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the little adventures." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Of what day?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Holmes, the busybody!" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "And is that all?" leaning back in his chair. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I think it very unlikely." hurried by. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He sufficient punishment." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my from you?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Sholtos." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the nursery. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she of the way of danger. side. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Holmes' face clouded over. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Quite so." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Mrs. Toller serenely. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "And Irene Adler?" quickly through a disagreeable task. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between key of the affair now." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "What have you to say now?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I shall most certainly do so." learned something! Where are the gems?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed him to go away.' "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "That's no good." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can papers must be those that are destroyed.' success. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was nothing with him." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I giving me time to thank him. would then never go into court at all." or in danger--" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "No, I am descending." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man coat-tails." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "But she will refuse." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an their singular warning or token before them when starting upon should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Of Friday, June 19th." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk bill, which interests me deeply." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She morning." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold least a most suspicious remark." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. that?' society." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with wall." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "It is no ordinary one." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'What then?' I asked. hour." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I don't believe it." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now and prosperity to your house. Good-night." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" question," said Holmes, smiling. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and always that they were such commands as a lady might with very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling outside." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I don't say that. Perhaps." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here burst out into a roar of laughter. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'About the same.' "'Entirely.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that joking. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to done what I asked you, Jones?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey