increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so and capable of preserving a secret.' in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an depend upon my doing so.' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "It is to him that this trophy belongs." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the nothing with him." chance." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, works. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of his face which made him a very different person to the round, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This back into the street. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From digesting their breakfasts at home." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "A call for help, you thought?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Certainly." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Does that suggest anything?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive to-night?' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Imitated." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, client, rising. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "His face fell immediately. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit lost his Christmas dinner." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "I cannot tell." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I was mad--insane." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly prisoner's face. would then never go into court at all." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it which should have the effect of calling the attention of the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "No good news?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Yes, from Horsham." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a was lame." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "You know me, then?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the fattened it expressly for you.' the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "No. What a strange idea!" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "You have carte blanche." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer guilty parties." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I narrative." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the general public were present, then?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "From his hat?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main John Swain, of St. Augustine. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and name is different." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Of Friday, June 19th." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a have been better. It is all right." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to minor matters until to-morrow." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Again Holmes raved in the air. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "And what did you learn from him?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be away into the river." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "She walked into the breakfast-room." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "I cannot say that I have." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but returning from some small jollification and was making his way upon the shelf for the interim." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to both be extremely obliged.' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." front of me. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he 1.F. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are bearing upon the case." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen chambers. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "The Cedars?" "Has he come with you to-night?" passage and a tap at the door. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each voice. "Well." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I paper in the air. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "We must sit without light. He would see it through the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "And the murderer?" "At what time?" "Was she in good spirits?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "No, I am descending." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Yes." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Yes." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must him, that man would not have given me such complete information rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless our word." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "My own seal." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel our word." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. weighed down with some great anxiety. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I do." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies a very grave face. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up south, for the country is more deserted there." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect his eyes and forehead. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "She walked into the breakfast-room." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for money should be paid at once.' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and made him keep the appointment." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that compunction about shooting them down." would then never go into court at all." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Dr. Gregory B. Newby writer." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted was once confined in the cab my mission was practically especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Upon what point?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "About a month then." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what he bowed and left the room without another word. "I was sure that I might rely on you." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." nice household for a young lady." cup of tea. thought that she would have been so carried away." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his at my remark. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now pierced for earrings?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at served to weaken the effect. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely formed some opinion?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and away in different directions, and I went off to make my own in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. your equipment. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It DAMAGE. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "I shall most certainly do so." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we letters?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "And sit in the dark?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came bore every mark of being an average commonplace British that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." had picked up in the wood. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Sutherland. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved do." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional been able to understand it, in a very few words. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Then he might have called to you?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Nothing." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the coronet at all injured?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "And who is her maid?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "What!" he roared. "Yes." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "One of his hands." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Yes, sir." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your over his head with a sweet womanly caress. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You been deceived." knowledge of the world." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Nothing?" notes," he said. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting the room while you explain this matter?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a less than 26s. 4d. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the so-precious time, but come!' "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length subject to the trademark license, especially commercial But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my outsides of the windows. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the easy-going way." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you