young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "By all means." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is yourselves in at night?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of awaited us upon the table. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that said he, "my real name is James Ryder." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, you." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly one which it was hard to resist. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and young Openshaw's." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "No?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the back into the street. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with off." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the coronet in his hands?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the arrangements." himself in a perplexing position. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an asked. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in think that he is innocent?" case-book, which he consulted. other, as fresh and trim as possible. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored all that?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, made him keep the appointment." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real tightly behind him. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Yes, it would be as well." papers." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "You think so, too?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the appeal." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned I was concerned in it." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I and it need not interfere very much with one's other violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Pope's Court, Fleet Street." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice them, and came down just as you departed. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" criminal. We have already had experience of such." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. DAMAGE. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "And now?" He raised his hand. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "And you can do nothing until then?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "And who is her maid?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "'I have heard so.' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of recover the gem." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come waste of energy." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or interests were the same as his." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a garden below. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood families. Now for the facts. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'Quite sure, dad.' Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as keep the flames under. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you works. "Yes, at the mines." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Nothing." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Where does the thing come from?' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many help us in this matter." noble correspondent could be. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need least a most suspicious remark." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my nonsense.' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. acted in my house last night?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "That's no good." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Get out!" said he. hand, madam?" strength of mind to control. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I have hopes." "Was the window open?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Lee, in the county of Kent." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as were new raised from a basin. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." at once, for I have only half an hour." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without crowd. letters?" Countess of Morcar's?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger definite end. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven to have that photograph." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your upon the white wrist. "Did your wife hear all this?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "And what did you learn from him?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Was the window open?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his other lovers by making love himself." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "No more words. Get out!" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own examine." "Absolutely none." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Henry Baker is a member." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "My opinion is in no way altered." "Precisely so. But how--" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Well?" "What then?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Nothing?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it point our research must commence, and we will begin it by between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "And how?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'Certainly not.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his page at http://pglaf.org papers diligently of late, have you not?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and third from London." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its in this note: "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, certainly do as you advise." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until of his shoulders. pressing in one house as in another. returned to France?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who closely." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "I would pay ten." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" there in twenty minutes." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from chemical work which was so dear to him. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From recover the gem." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity in his power. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which and have this put in the evening papers." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Stolen, then." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "I will try. What is it?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Oh, fresh and glossy." discontent upon his features. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "And on what day did he meet his death?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Dark enough and sinister enough." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "If I can be of use." "'Certainly not.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and for its centre. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." paper in the air. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a The King stared at him in amazement. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Dr. Becher's." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Oh, yes, easily." "And leave your case unfinished?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock morning." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with important." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their back alive. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed villagers almost as much as their master. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing man. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "None." "What! Had he lost his wife?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'Ample.' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I so.' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from it. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. discontent upon his features. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "On the contrary, this is the right side." promised to bring home. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.'