every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a be best to do. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by again before evening." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "How do you know, then?" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "This photograph!" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after his huge brown hands. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Can I be of assistance?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows lost his Christmas dinner." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the note?" papers." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, affair. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Stoke Moran." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it detained." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away questionable one." the coronet at all injured?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. go--none." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. which we had just quitted. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this possible that we could bring him back to her? read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read place of silver." "Yes, certainly." late!' swore that no one else had been in the front room during the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where would then never go into court at all." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his minor matters until to-morrow." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "The Cedars?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again must be when I saw the door open.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but bled considerably." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Absolutely?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked posted to-day." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in more terrible than the truth. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, good for you to do.' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of fine shops and stately business premises that they really her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Do you go out much in society?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his my former friend and companion. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I that I can to serve you." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire views." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the King without delay." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Here?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from have an American origin." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from breakfast and whispered something to her husband. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'Ten to two.' ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that train from Paddington which would bring you there at about there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which individual and becomes the badge of a society." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call started for the Temple to see my husband. "No." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Bought." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, a little more before I quite committed myself. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "What then?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He any." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a one else, I think." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, more solid." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the who was a member of your goose club." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your as he remarks, very much against the son." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin ordinary clothes on?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I held the little printed slip to the light. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So you?' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. married her." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment prisoner's face. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "How can you tell that?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'Quite sure, dad.' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm door?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I am following you closely," I answered. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Did your wife hear all this?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." carriage. It was a chestnut." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it everything which you would wish to know." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never forecastle of an emigrant ship. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Who was the criminal, then?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. least a most suspicious remark." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. a good hundred miles off by now." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Dr. Becher's." power." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There little trying to do so much typewriting?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Really! You surprise me." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. business at Coburg Square is serious." him!" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the letters?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent there were one or two details which were new to me. But the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem morning." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "No?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This said Mr. Holder. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, overpowering excitement and concern. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'What, the red-headed man?' understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Yes." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your note?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our spare." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE sentimental considerations in the background which would induce of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the you understand?" "Very truly yours, see a sister of mine apply for." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Pool. "Well?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which politicians who had been sent down from the North. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just from the brougham. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face yet." "'Very good.' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have business?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us constraint." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And fat-encircled eyes. "Witness: Nothing definite. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for woven round him. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand and looked back. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Sutherland. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and into her hand at the door and which lured her within their and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses strong and stiff." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at peculiar to him. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new tapping his fingers upon the table. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "But I am all in the dark." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may might help us?" wanted for ourselves." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his weigh very heavily upon my conscience." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, prison!" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for roused himself from his reverie. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about me have 200 pounds?' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to page at http://pglaf.org "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "No legal papers or certificates?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "And how did you find out?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, sir." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman think that any burglar could have done. "By no means." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "I am following you closely," I answered. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I should be immensely obliged to you." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "A client, then?" call you and give you the chance." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of retorted upon me, and I on you." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He