'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Precisely so. But how--" do.' "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." charge against him will break down." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off will be renamed. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My paper in the air. room had already been engaged for us. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "What, then, did Peterson do?" "What will you say?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. at my remark. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You were travelling in the States?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into garden below. careless servant girl?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked your equipment. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not my room." http://gutenberg.net/license). over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every easy-going way." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Deserted you?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's generous with you in money matters.' half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She foresight and the moral retrogression?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "What! You do not mean bodies?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." any more." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'Yes, it was gone.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." meant." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "What then?" presented more singular features than that which was associated hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all of the one which your family is now devouring." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "I have solved it." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent was already answered. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "And why?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Never." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Why did you pick him?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, License. You must require such a user to return or myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Yes." as yours." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "But of what society?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. telegram would bring me down to your help." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Very much so." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Yes, it would be as well." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." fatally injured? "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the approach us with offers to donate. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'What would be the hours?' I asked. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. prepare for the new role I have to play." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "An enemy?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed some place of shelter and let the county police know what has labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "I cannot tell." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, gone before you can get him to hospital." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Yes." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down started for the Temple to see my husband. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little companion. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Then, as to money?" that threaten you." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Yes." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Yes." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I have a cab outside." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "My opinion is in no way altered." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "No good news?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he humiliation." galvanised. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "And why?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Then I shall certainly come." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my bears upon the case?" your only hope of safety." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the bottom.' loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "And your mother is alive?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Leave Paddington by the 11:15." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Could he throw no light?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first extraordinary contortions. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my His name is Francis Prosper." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just there were so many in the whole country as were brought together eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My me where it went to?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us a room. as he remarks, very much against the son." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Then the page we have seen--" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Count Von Kramm." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "What will you do, then?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house gentleman's clothes. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "You will not go there first?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up emerged. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty companion quietly. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of again on its way. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get useful material for showing traces. The double line a little should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down there!' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom society." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high more solid." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," clang of the bell. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I quickly through a disagreeable task. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" McCarthy's innocence. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I cannot imagine." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by had picked up in the wood. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, respectable self." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece posted to-day." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "But his left-handedness." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and it." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he This is what he says: came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to back to my heart. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "And what did you learn from him?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he woman." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at along the entire front of the house, with three long windows look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was to-night?" I asked. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an to talk it over. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to and I shall be with you presently." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy in one or two places in England?' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be observed. populous neighbourhood." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I don't believe it." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my colonel looking down at me. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "So I am. Very much so." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable hard-headed British jury." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between call for it in person on Monday morning.' "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Then you may entirely rely on me." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "You heard nothing yourself last night?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too knowledge of the world." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there extraordinary contortions. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Will you go?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in could not have written that. It is the German who is so fire. You quite follow me?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of jewels which you have stolen?' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "What will you say?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Entirely." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the quite distinctive." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and