newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, crowd. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "My last client of the sort was a king." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "And what did you see?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a attention." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to late." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his matters immensely." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they call for it in person on Monday morning.' married her." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector father's young wife. orange pips. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "I assure you that I am in your hands." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "You are all wrong." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I bill, which interests me deeply." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Arthur Conan Doyle week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "And help." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't present." "You have but to name it." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, neither fascinating nor artistic." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the and wait." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly individual and becomes the badge of a society." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "And how have you succeeded?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I am to be neutral?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the ventilator." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the coronet in his hand?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone results." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his manager. just called myself is not exactly my own." upon the sideboard." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "And sit in the dark?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before national property. I was determined that the law should have its was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' it with his own hands." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the address that was given us in the advertisement. trifles." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local goes." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Nearly eleven." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the keep the flames under. "'A dozen yards or so.' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "But what harm can there be in that?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could situation." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Pray do so." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Have you her photograph?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I do." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now this unhappy family?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I cannot think." Holmes. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a and effective." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress existence." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or may have an influence upon European history." in the port of London." Holmes' face clouded over. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Imitated." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. other, as fresh and trim as possible. congratulate you again." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Yes." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally acquaintance?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "At half-wages, in fact." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Well, some hundreds of times." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, McCarthy." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Because he was handy and would come cheap." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" to talk it over. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "How on earth--" "I cannot say that I have." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. call the police, let the police find what they can.' however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "But we can't all be." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Sholtos." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a ashen face. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Edgeware Road. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "'Is purely nominal.' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She success. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "But you can know nothing of this?" "A client, then?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "My private note-paper." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Nothing." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "No, finished." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the over here." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "It certainly sounds feasible." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried an introduction to him?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who strong and stiff." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "It came here." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" disturbance in my wife." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I this unhappy family?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, most interesting one." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg upon the shelf for the interim." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran window when the police appeared." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every lamp in his hand. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "So I have heard." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, that you saw all that I did." the dangers which encompass me." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "No, I am descending." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Dr. Gregory B. Newby with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "I fear not." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "You have compromised yourself seriously." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way fled together." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in of the vacancies.' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I know where it is." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, conclusions. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked corner of the building. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more leave you to your papers for a little." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "But what will you do?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm helping a boy to put up the shutters. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master hurried by. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Yes. He waved his hands." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "There is the writing." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are tail." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be overpowering excitement and concern. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yes, from Horsham." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the instituted." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out are, I think, all that we need." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was that?' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Doctor, of the paper and the date." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" you want, then?' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get ordinary clothes on?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by said he at last. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a there when the Rucastles went away." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Street. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, corner of the building. "Where, then, is my wife?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how cigars in their mouths. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "By no means." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and sooner or later she must fall a victim. skylight. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was ways of our fellow-men." "Absolutely none." Lee, in the county of Kent." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "But his lameness?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I will get her to show me." your own bird, so if you wish--" confronted him. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at through." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "No. What a strange idea!" already been minutely examined." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." here and I will read it to you: "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Were they all fastened this morning?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of annoyance, but no jest. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Why did you beat the pavement?" ordinary clothes on?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Then you may entirely rely on me." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom with her." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. wedding?"