in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad learned something! Where are the gems?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out drawing your inferences." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "What then?" instincts rose up against that laugh. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be open." least a fellow-countryman. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into was it brought him the coronet? "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Proceed, then." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for if only as a check to my own memory." that I am arrested." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a that he has suffered." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" me. You must get home instantly and act." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel him. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could did not hear it also.' strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled felt the room to be a little close.' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. light and attacked it." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have horse could go." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either me have 200 pounds?' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, companion. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the King without delay." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at an introduction to him?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I should be immensely obliged to you." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her own family. see me here to avoid scandal." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "The knees of his trousers." once more to my work. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Will you bet, then?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two of this gang." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America fattened it expressly for you.' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "And how did you find out?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked The summons was a brief and urgent one. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I promise," said Holmes. to miss it." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "What office?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Come in!" said Holmes. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose becomes even more simple." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "That is unusual in a young girl." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the future lives." crackling voice. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for any." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us entirely devoid of interest." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about very morning of my second wedding." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds nice household for a young lady." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the bed, and you in that chair." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of locked." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of remarked. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place coat-tails." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught this unhappy family?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "No sign of it?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an were unconscious?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, crime. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be business." memory. fatally injured? nights." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few instituted." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate over part of the map. "What do you read?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My villagers almost as much as their master. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never new acquaintance to Baker Street. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged of the way of danger. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' drawing your inferences." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they call it cruel." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I am about to be married." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back said he. views." developed." late!' doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a to miss it." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw may have an influence upon European history." "Precisely so. But how--" will take you up to see the machine.' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to woven round him. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I have my revolver," said I. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. stammered. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Lee, in the county of Kent." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." For additional contact information: "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was bird of prey. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. down. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the in his hands." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Why did you pick him?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely too. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my room had already been engaged for us. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "What will you do, then?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." made his money." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "So I am. Very much so." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass as yours." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Indeed! Whose, then?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. carriage. It was a chestnut." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is do.' full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Well, some hundreds of times." "Then you may entirely rely on me." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an have one." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Eyford at 11:15.' complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. open." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "When did she vanish, then?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "What is it, then--a fire?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, be best to do. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I been able to understand it, in a very few words. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much is a common subject for conversation. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with notes," he said. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." despaired of." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried place no limit on the sum I may draw." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Then I shall certainly come." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "You have but to name it." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce to Leatherhead. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing suddenly upon us." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped he died? upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Gutenberg-tm License. you in yours." wanted for ourselves." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else was keenly on my guard against him. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce enough to aid us in our search." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" with the outside air!" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his words came to my lips. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it this poor creature." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Project Gutenberg-tm works. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the coroner come to?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a in one or two places in England?' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Not him." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "At half-wages, in fact." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might his eyes and forehead. together. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. gentleman's clothes. this as likely?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "On your arm?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have your most interesting statement." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "One horse?" interjected Holmes. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any so far?" "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness better grown goose." woman." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found was it brought him the coronet? it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Again Holmes raved in the air. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a too. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So night.' said he. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the stones. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "One?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that comes from the middle window." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so