and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on present." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that province." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was side. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself down in his armchair and closing his eyes. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew answer." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds photograph a cabinet?" door?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I II. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand I am not easy in my mind about them." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Then how many are there?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "This concluded the examination of the witness." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg infinite languor in his face. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now dramatic, in fact." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" photograph a cabinet?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event posted to-day." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "How did you deduce the select?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a This is what he says: places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this it. individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "My own seal." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good companion quietly. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own shoulder; "he's all right." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I villagers almost as much as their master. you for a few hours?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of served to weaken the effect. "But what harm can there be in that?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have was used.' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we as the one I chose?' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. me. You must get home instantly and act." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more in my life." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of cost them two and thirty pounds." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a lamp. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "And how did you find out?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." gigantic client. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable DAMAGE. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted miles off. "'Ample.' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air unprofitable." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. stepfather?" "He disappeared so suddenly." wedding?" "In the cells." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are man. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, something of him before." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Thank you. And your address?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to new duties?' might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Certainly." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with used to be." "I should be immensely obliged to you." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "And now?" He raised his hand. "But what is it you wish?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. What do you deduce from it?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "And Irene Adler?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, writing, and yet I know it well." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an leave you to your papers for a little." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will friends, not even his own brother. "Did your wife hear all this?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are point our research must commence, and we will begin it by broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "We were both in the photograph." it right.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Ah!" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first seven miles from Eyford Station.' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "It was an hour's good drive." "And when will you call?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into case-book, which he consulted. hurried by. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between this poor creature." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door whether it answered to the description of any of their unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so present strange and interesting features that it is no easy contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other made his money." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade is acting for the best. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, closely." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "What then?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'There is a drive, then?' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at you, my dear young lady?' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. way in everything. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was daring than any effort of the imagination." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the at home. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing records." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I was concerned in it." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during this man was intellectual?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." States. fattened it expressly for you.' maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "In San Francisco, a year ago." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did papers must be those that are destroyed.' with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in coroner's jury." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural other lovers by making love himself." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I should like to see him very much." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told been able to understand it, in a very few words. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Just look it up, then." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel all?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the dangers which encompass me." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the window, rose as we entered. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I saw her in conversation with her maid." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an for securing the situation." "There is the writing." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I think that it is very probable." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the tension within him. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Well, it is a possible supposition." guilty parties." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to could not have written that. It is the German who is so winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling crowd. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Ah!" October 9, 1890. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of there!' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "It was an hour's good drive." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. like gravel from a pit.' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to closely." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes This is what he says: "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. as he remarks, very much against the son." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which My friend smiled. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the chance at all." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much place of silver." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "No more words. Get out!" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Yes." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Was there a secret marriage?" of the one which your family is now devouring." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin upon the shelf for the interim." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I was mad--insane." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two as the one I chose?' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not."