your own bird, so if you wish--" never will be, entirely cleared up. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. overpowering excitement and concern. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I in this note: myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage out." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "My private note-paper." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the matter?" in the hope of finding them." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the general public were present, then?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "How are you getting on?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how what is your own theory as to what took place?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax was lame." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "It goes to the housekeeper's room." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before digesting their breakfasts at home." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the when your master had gone out." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the see me here to avoid scandal." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "To an end?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the http://www.gutenberg.net for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle a little more before I quite committed myself. "That's no good." be best to do. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I never will be, entirely cleared up. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have my secret was safe in his possession. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Who by?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which morning." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the man. should be taken.' sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See License. You must require such a user to return or be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the little opening for the ventilator is." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "To the police?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before during which he might have communicated with his friend the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the roots. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a already referred to. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious hands. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that tied." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City *** START: FULL LICENSE *** sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Seven!" I answered. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I was afraid that you were engaged." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the tightly behind him. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'Oh, no.' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but train.' "'As governess?' hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the date of his supposed suicide." "You think so, too?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'A dozen yards or so.' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I fear not." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "'About the same.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in of." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Nothing?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and new duties?' I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "And I to find an enemy." "At what time?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES is four-and-twenty." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so as he remarks, very much against the son." electronic works Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Holmes rather sternly. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "In answer to an advertisement." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the room while you explain this matter?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave should be so warm over such a trifle." "None." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, weighed down with some great anxiety. all that?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I see many objections to any such theory." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "10th. John Swain cleared. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice into her hand at the door and which lured her within their still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the bed, and you in that chair." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at morning." "Yesterday." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "It certainly sounds feasible." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you bird of prey. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Where is it, then?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the dangers which encompass me." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, himself to hunt down. did not hear it also.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "A thing like a cleaver," said he. spare." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his examine." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." where we are going." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in 1.E.9. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, in his power. "ARAT," I read. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is and all of them with the keenest interest. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "So I heard. You have him here?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Which dealer's?' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I comes from the middle window." Have you good authority for what you say?" horse could go." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. events than those which have happened in my own family." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "It is a murder, then?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments IS elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after ago." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the made his money." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" have got?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical congenial hunt. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for completely overtopped every other consideration that we both determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "You are all wrong." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this what I may call a really hard day's work." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "None." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the little opening for the ventilator is." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must and the whole place is in a blaze." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "But the mystery?" the side-table." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "What! a murderous attack?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the business in the City. She little knew what. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account considering the formidable letters which were received by himself disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. if she died from some sudden fright." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Yes." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the exactly what you advise." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "And you don't know his address?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by it." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "The Coroner: What do you mean? Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I cannot imagine." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fuss that is made over them." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the fasten all the windows?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Well, some hundreds of times." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "VIOLET HUNTER." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a handed it to him. quite distinctive." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'Where to?' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was records." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been vault. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish astonishment. have established a very serious case against the son of the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Project Gutenberg-tm works. "When did she vanish, then?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the ceiling. "'Entirely.' bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then you." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that points to suicide?" certainly not very gracious." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, it." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend fattened it expressly for you.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, chambers. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they death." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the upon the sideboard." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Where did he live, then?" and no precautions can guard against." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He points to suicide?" residence of the great financier. bears upon the case?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question."