"'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a maiden herself was most instructive." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of one which it was hard to resist. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "But how did you gain them?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, closely." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to he died? about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, footfalls from the street. "Yes. He waved his hands." very old mansion. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' me upon any point which I do not make clear." Edgeware Road. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the should be taken.' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Not in the least." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and no precautions can guard against." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' noble correspondent could be. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Yes. He waved his hands." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "My last client of the sort was a king." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "No, thank goodness, she did not." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in footfalls from the street. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At coroner's jury." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main once more to my work. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those brain must have something in it." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," had formerly been in part my own. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was note?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy gone. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." behind me. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, him!" notes," he said. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Not in a good cause." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the do you make of it all?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go at a side door. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, unprofitable." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your companion. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "But not more so than I to find you." "How did he come?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off official police." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Yes." signal between you and your father? down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "No, thank goodness, she did not." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "You think that he is dead?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" copied or distributed: which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "And you thought he was pulled back?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing you in your example." "And is that all?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at get the tickets." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "It is possible." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Upon what point?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the them?" the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very that you wished to speak to me?' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Holmes' thin, eager face. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical kind enough to tell me what I should do." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, several quiet little villages up there." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his would then never go into court at all." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. man. I know him from the photograph." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal papers." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "'And the work?' ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up shall use the carriage to-night." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man posted to-day." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Farm upon the left." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Ample." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." in the dead of the night?' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Come in!" said Holmes. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was it with his own hands." have got?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." official police." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the child." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not four million human beings all jostling each other within the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it have accepted such a situation. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a cheerful." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich trying to your nerves." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' distinguish the words: stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would maiden herself was most instructive." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy through." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Entirely." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of strength in the others." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser round with crates and massive boxes. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send could not have written that. It is the German who is so front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I shall be delighted." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for You can understand that this register and diary may implicate bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My together. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know ways of our fellow-men." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I train.' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight since then to throw any light upon what became of him." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey forecastle of an emigrant ship. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my back alive. through." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong I took the paper from him and read as follows: arrangements." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "A greater distance to travel." "I think that it is very probable." were wasted." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and hands. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' stalked out of the room. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the coronet in his hands?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." must compliment you." "No, I am descending." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should off." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "How can you tell that?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have not had my rubber." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to overpowering excitement and concern. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away that I may have something better before very many minutes are return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can away to you." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Why did you pick him?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there highroad, where all traces were lost. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'I am sure if I had known--' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of would apply.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a skylight. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too know all about it," he snarled. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen prepare for the new role I have to play." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "And the murderer?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he long narrative. ran thus: "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and congenial hunt. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "My photograph." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the in the port of London." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." already been minutely examined." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "But we can't all be." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Yes, it was twisted." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I present." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I should like to see him very much." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark this man was intellectual?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can seven miles from Eyford Station.' he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless of note-paper. It read in this fashion: at a side door. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing gives a meaning to it." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the jewels which you have stolen?' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a returning from some small jollification and was making his way miles off. Where does the thing come from?' the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "An enemy?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' clanging. indeed which he could not unravel. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'In my own bureau.' salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "But what will you do?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I woman." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the emerged. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'Yes, it was gone.' in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock