the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" III. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Yes." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "You did not overhear what they said?" unkempt, staring out at me. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' was not a bird to be seen there. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the bed, and you in that chair." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to it means?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, to take care of herself." Leadenhall Street--and--" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Very. But will he see it?" secret." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; views." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a second." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly stood on the top of it. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the child." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was reach." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "And you don't know his address?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the Assizes." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "That is also quite modern," said the lady. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "No." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes conclusions. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did together. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "'It is locked up,' I answered. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that business?" trying to your nerves." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it The summons was a brief and urgent one. chance." always that they were such commands as a lady might with think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Where, then?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "No, I am descending." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the his eyes and forehead. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and a good hundred miles off by now." "But not more so than I to find you." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I in a very precise fashion." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "He is still with you, I presume?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for gone. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can row." "He slept on the premises." off." the devil!" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. License. You must require such a user to return or light and attacked it." one which it was hard to resist. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "On the contrary, this is the right side." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "A confidential servant?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "You horrify me!" was not a bird to be seen there. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest of his shoulders. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," could not have written that. It is the German who is so known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'Never,' said I. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside with some details as to your case." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I don't believe it." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as ourselves in the office." your room." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'Why that?' I asks. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I shall most certainly do so." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? four million human beings all jostling each other within the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was hereditary King of Bohemia." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "And I to find an enemy." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet of this gang." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy copied or distributed: the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my gives a meaning to it." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, written. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not one of them." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and have this put in the evening papers." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "You have the photograph?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the general public were present, then?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors maiden herself was most instructive." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I will not look." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always all that?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of out." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Your sister is dead, then?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect presented more singular features than that which was associated of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at stepfather?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "What will you do, then?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house key turn in the lock." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "And what did you learn from him?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of narrative." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is green of the new foliage. "Yes." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the inner apartment." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." unkempt, staring out at me. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "'Yes, sir.' would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was hard-headed British jury." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback go from here to the Strand." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his States. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Perhaps I have." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The fish-monger and a tide-waiter." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I promise," said Holmes. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. The events in question occurred in the early days of my Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" too. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "It was an hour's good drive." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had coroner's jury." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I unprecedented a position." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Was your sister dressed?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that there were one or two details which were new to me. But the I am not easy in my mind about them." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, prisoner's face. wanted for ourselves." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Arthur Conan Doyle is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very in his hands." "One of his hands." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Leave Paddington by the 11:15." good for you to do.' "The rest you will leave in our hands." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "But the mystery?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an know all about it," he snarled. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Certainly." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Count Von Kramm." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical back into the street. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. be.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "That you are never beaten." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Will you go?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might is four-and-twenty." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Clair, of Lee." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my in my life." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Ample." some terrible trap for her." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a people in all walks of life. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must opened the door, and slipped through. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A you understand?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. man. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and files of the old papers, following the future career of every at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography records." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" despair." a very grave face. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I occupations.' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under writing, and yet I know it well." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "So I have heard." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and someone who had been in Australia." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which could go. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Just look it up, then." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I