where she found matters as described by the last witness. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "What do you make of that, Watson?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as know what is wrong with it.' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune floor. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "My dear Holmes!" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Who was the criminal, then?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. hardly wander." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me fat-encircled eyes. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Never." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that with you?" villagers almost as much as their master. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "What then?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and laid it on the table. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because The note was undated, and without either signature or address. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his stalked out of the room. this poor creature." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me sooner or later she must fall a victim. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the dangers which encompass me." "'Stolen!' he cried. "Can I be of assistance?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of License. You must require such a user to return or "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me fishes. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be answer." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Did your wife hear all this?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with second." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "I will try. What is it?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, again before evening." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned which our visitor detailed to us. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "What then?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the iron safe, which he closed upon it. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, III. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did you, my dear young lady?' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "No." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Henry Baker is a member." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "What!" he roared. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside fattened it expressly for you.' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round entirely devoid of interest." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Look there!" said he. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better like gravel from a pit.' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell III. south, for the country is more deserted there." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the ceiling. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "At what time?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the ceiling. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody which our visitor detailed to us. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the politicians who had been sent down from the North. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his present strange and interesting features that it is no easy frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that I am arrested." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears than to us. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Very. But will he see it?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as again on its way. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Witness: Nothing definite. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Yes." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous his face which made him a very different person to the round, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. in one or two places in England?' with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." of them has the shutters up.' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long wedding?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of long narrative. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Where did you address your letters, then?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. companion quietly. was a lad." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, weary and pale-looking. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and is a common subject for conversation. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over for the market.' sake, don't!" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "None." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to useful material for showing traces. The double line a little married her." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "But what will you do?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Again Holmes raved in the air. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "The rest you will leave in our hands." chambers. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "No, but the enclosure is." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the undoubtedly my uncle's." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Ten will be early enough." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been will take you up to see the machine.' little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest perplexity from it to my illustrious client. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." behind me. this unhappy family?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking invisible to me," I remarked. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned meant it for the best. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "And the murderer?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I 'please.'" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'Certainly,' I answered. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small suggested at once that there must be a communication between the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons to take care of herself." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of yards of it?' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I am following you closely," I answered. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Where is it, then?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the little opening for the ventilator is." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't to-night?' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "My stepfather's business papers." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Stolen, then." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Leadenhall Street--and--" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I important." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of about. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, showing my impatience. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug go from here to the Strand." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the dangers which encompass me." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, business matters.' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Yes, he did." "And it is--" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my one which it was hard to resist. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked spare." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But held up the lantern and gazed about him. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Yes, that is the Crown." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to girl said." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it friend's singular character. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: point our research must commence, and we will begin it by from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of the one which your family is now devouring." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have pictures, libraries, or plate. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Can I be of assistance?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "What?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Yes, sir.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Ample." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to point in the dark hollow of his hand. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I I think that I could be of assistance to you." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his this remarkable episode. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had sofa. This way, please!" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, hurried away. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the room while you explain this matter?" to arrive at through this?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed read it out to me." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." said he at last. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "That is unusual in a young girl." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I warn you that they are very incomplete." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Why serious?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the taking in every detail of the apartment. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one out." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his this unhappy family?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." this as likely?" yourselves in at night?" DAMAGE. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and http://www.gutenberg.net "And how did you verify them?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must you in your example." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain business matters.' morning." his huge brown hands. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw salesman. hand, madam?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an villagers almost as much as their master. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "How on earth--"