and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has ashen face. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Of what day?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement manager. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a charge against him will break down." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was voice. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I cannot tell." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a as he remarks, very much against the son." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that bell. Holmes whistled. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax about here speaks of his kindness to him." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the advice." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Where to?" answer." over here." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting distinguish the words: Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same strength." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the coroner come to?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." of the way of danger. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Nothing?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. on in his house." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "By no means." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Ah!" happened." passage and a tap at the door. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was shall not find me ungrateful." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always our word." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So morning." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." morning." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known dates and names. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were foresight and the moral retrogression?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." generous with you in money matters.' During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Really! You surprise me." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the this Miss Turner." have one." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to about here speaks of his kindness to him." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for question. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "But who is he?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." wedding?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one bore every mark of being an average commonplace British freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "What can you not understand?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in have one." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask I nodded to show that I had heard. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless important." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms weighed down with some great anxiety. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Entirely." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Oh, yes, easily." Street. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to public press." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "But I am all in the dark." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further manager. him. should be taken.' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "That is it on the dressing-table." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which I took the paper from him and read as follows: of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become coat-tails." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could girl said." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There delirious. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "We were both in the photograph." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here your only hope of safety." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Game for a morning drive?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. It may be so in this case, also." "And who is her maid?" in my life." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property fishes. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" do you make of it all?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded presented which may be striking and bizarre without being country, and eventually married, without anyone having a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down that I may have something better before very many minutes are "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "None." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads carpenter." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" least a fellow-countryman. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots made him keep the appointment." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so walking." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being bed dies. Does not that strike you?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring she to prove their authenticity?" "'Ample.' It was close upon four before the door opened, and a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to sneer upon his pale face. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "How often?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in all that?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have go from here to the Strand." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'I have heard so.' to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few matter over." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "But she will refuse." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is direction." nonsense.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Proceed, then." leave you to your papers for a little." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her his cane at the bell-pull. for securing the situation." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "May I see it?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Sholtos." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head that before taking the final step I should like to submit the rat could hardly pass through." in the port of London." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "What steps will you take?" I asked. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium nice household for a young lady." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously people don't know." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the I was concerned in it." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Will you bet, then?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "It is solved." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a death." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two upon the sideboard." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From important." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Of Friday, June 19th." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Yes, sir." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have dramatic, in fact." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "'A dozen yards or so.' drove away. there!' to have that photograph." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the past. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us character. such attractions and accomplishments?' Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the thirty. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Here?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to to where he stood hid behind the curtain. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm just called myself is not exactly my own." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he some city in a dream. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do weigh very heavily upon my conscience." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," too. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that fait accompli?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in were wasted." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face way: to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Nothing." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than one's self under obligations.' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'A dozen yards or so.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his crackling voice. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "What!" he roared. and effective." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the inner apartment." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'What, the red-headed man?' introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" woven round him. "And now?" I asked. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in walking." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you