by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I don't say that. Perhaps." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "One of his hands." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I hair?' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the stones. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some second." "That also I could fathom." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back it." his eyes and forehead. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "What! You do not mean bodies?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' bedroom door." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." vanished into the darkness. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Why? What do you mean?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes friends, not even his own brother. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea promised to bring home. from you?" mystery!" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, have accepted such a situation. "Stoke Moran?" said he. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "What do you mean?" bears upon the case?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take strong and stiff." go back?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of key of the affair now." for securing the situation." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "You heard nothing yourself last night?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and all of them with the keenest interest. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an go from here to the Strand." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of outsides of the windows. "An enemy?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "No more words. Get out!" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than train from Paddington which would bring you there at about while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at records." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Of what day?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running clang of the bell. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the purpose of examination. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you to tell." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "That is also quite modern," said the lady. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. when you have done it." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "And I to find an enemy." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "It is half-past ten now." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked paper in the air. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little something of him before." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Where, then?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and daring than any effort of the imagination." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in taking in every detail of the apartment. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It looks newer than the other things?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of six. Come in!" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "A greater distance to travel." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been of a light. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Is he quiet?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which during the last few years, and there are many noble families to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were business at Coburg Square is serious." "But you have hopes?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Edgeware Road. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all becomes even more simple." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother nonsense.' "By train from Waterloo." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the morning and make my own way in the world.' thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in observed. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Game for a morning drive?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he room?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all purpose equally well?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, outbreak?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and secret." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and files of the old papers, following the future career of every unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Stoke Moran?" said he. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which DAMAGE. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the ran thus: "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down kindly on the shoulder. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home spark where all is dark to me." Clair, of Lee." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow house for five minutes.' for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty tear off another piece?' Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Was your sister dressed?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "But his lameness?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest information in his hands the value of which he did not himself fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Very. But will he see it?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would gentleman's clothes. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Was your sister dressed?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss upon the sideboard." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "'Yes.' orange pips. "Then you may entirely rely on me." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" waste of energy." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Yes." "'Never.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I took the paper from him and read as follows: all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Imitated." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are troubles have been weighing upon his mind. occurred." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': conversation I have gathered that they have been married about residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'You doubt its value?' he asked. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the case before our client came into the room." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." within hail.' but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis October 9, 1890. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible this man was intellectual?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "A confidential servant?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into voice. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Yes, all." know what is wrong with it.' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Literary Archive Foundation will be renamed. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." weighed down with some great anxiety. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and fashion which was peculiar to him. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Arthur Conan Doyle It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "My opinion is in no way altered." "I say it is." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Then I am your man." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence your Highness to the police-station?" "The murder was done with it." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary door?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were people don't know." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. with the outside air!" here." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his himself to hunt down. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his south, for the country is more deserted there." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'I shall certainly be there.' listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he copied or distributed: wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Never." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Here?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and salesman. are windows in it, of course?" pound a week." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square chemical work which was so dear to him. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose hereditary King of Bohemia." said he. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, companion quietly.