"How about poison?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At as he folded up the epistle. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and 'please.'" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all later, upon the night of May 2nd." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "On your arm?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of It may be so in this case, also." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour events than those which have happened in my own family." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., 11:15.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have 1.E.9. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' McCarthy's innocence. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "And what then?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's people in all walks of life. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us you." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You during which he might have communicated with his friend the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce during which he might have communicated with his friend the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "You know me, then?" an introduction to him?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Never." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "His face fell immediately. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who there when the Rucastles went away." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little delirious. strength." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Where is it, then?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa should be taken.' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons back into the street. should be so warm over such a trifle." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me purpose equally well?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "What! Had he lost his wife?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. persecution?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage morning." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Was the window open?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his overpowering excitement and concern. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." certainly do as you advise." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "And you thought he was pulled back?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a some water from a caraffe. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my to-night?" I asked. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, during which he might have communicated with his friend the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "But I have heard all that you have heard." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little vault. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "My dear Holmes!" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. that you wished to speak to me?' parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, him." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge fear." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Bought." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever second window is the one that I jumped from." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Thank you. And your address?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no swore that no one else had been in the front room during the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to had a long day." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "What then?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Why, what do you mean?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Certainly." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at think you a quite exceptional woman." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "No." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how a room. "Why, what do you mean?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" south, for the country is more deserted there." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy my friend's incisive reasoning. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of such attractions and accomplishments?' is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Nothing." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting ago." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "But who is he?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture manager. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "A greater distance to travel." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Just look it up, then." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Then what has happened to him?" "Not particularly." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in a very grave face. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I power." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "To an end?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was made him keep the appointment." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past daring than any effort of the imagination." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to experiences." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was head. So long, then!" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was colonel looking down at me. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that might help us?" "'I have heard so.' tapping his fingers upon the table. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had other, as fresh and trim as possible. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "You have but to name it." "Did he not advertise?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "No, my brougham is waiting." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw already referred to. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Ample." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Was he the only applicant?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would extraordinary contortions. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Nothing?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Munro.' brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to in darkness. letters?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. face and glided from the room. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Yes, only one." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" 'please.'" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was do." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler salesman. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips to-night?" I asked. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I answered that I had not. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. entirely devoid of interest." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "No." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the your bag." "The knees of his trousers." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that said I. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." habit of advancing money.' submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must have been better. It is all right." "Yes, that is the Crown." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all bonnet, and went out." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would of Fenchurch Street." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the bedroom door." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his too. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was take the flies, but not before." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." lamp in his hand. spark where all is dark to me." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul be there in time for your coming." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the as the one I chose?' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a cigars in their mouths. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." take the flies, but not before." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "How often?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's