Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in cause to be." I have it here in my museum." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "She walked into the breakfast-room." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was at a side door. fled together." lumber-room." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "It is his hat." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "One horse?" interjected Holmes. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "On your arm?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "And how did you find out?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, congratulate you again." the tragedy. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on said he at last. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Pray do so." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "And now?" I asked. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "What have you to say now?" with you?" "My Mary? Impossible!" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner voice, changing her seat as requested. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** nights." chair. like gravel from a pit.' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion him nearly every evening." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the coronet at all injured?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am of Mr. Rucastle's." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is arrangements." "Yes." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may me where it went to?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert be. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a read over the extraordinary announcement. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Why serious?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Of what day?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and at my remark. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded desk. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." some city in a dream. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done should be taken.' "Breckinridge is his name." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he emerged. "My stepfather's business papers." Eyford." started for the Temple to see my husband. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, back into the street. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "How do you know, then?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" whereabouts. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this indeed which he could not unravel. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I saw her in conversation with her maid." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is as noiselessly as she had come. "You did not overhear what they said?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my take the flies, but not before." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. was it brought him the coronet? age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have against a man in the prime of life?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. problems help me to do so." man. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Then I am your man." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "How on earth--" business came to an end." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was telegram would bring me down to your help." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. putting in the horse. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" gives a meaning to it." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'Ten to two.' room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "And what then?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have me have 200 pounds?' I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the like that before?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Nothing." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his to talk it over. assist you in forming an opinion." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either read over the extraordinary announcement. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the with you alone." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Absolutely none." "Not in a good cause." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Pray be precise as to details," said he. on in his house." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own confronted him. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious father's place of business?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to you in your example." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their father's young wife. "And now?" He raised his hand. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of 'please.'" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have passage and a tap at the door. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as such attractions and accomplishments?' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Nothing." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if and capable of preserving a secret.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the child." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than unkempt, staring out at me. that threaten you." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an bed dies. Does not that strike you?" wedding?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "'Yes, sir.' time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Never." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from cigars in the box." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Pope's Court. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Perhaps we may make them less so." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Serpentine Avenue. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in business." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "My own seal." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project opportunities to fix the problem. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all your most interesting statement." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'Certainly not.' "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "And why in hopes?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Certainly,' I answered. the side-table." "Of what?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day row." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added that you wished to speak to me?' over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "She told me to ask you." married her." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "And that is--" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "What is it?" open." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We disappearance of the bride.'" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a down. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last speckled band?" ran thus: Literary Archive Foundation over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Always." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop geese which you supplied to the Alpha." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, mysterious business." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'Certainly not. But why?' "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, clang of the bell. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "No?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "My private note-paper." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had threw himself down with his face to the pillow. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'I have already given you my word.' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "How often?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'Why that?' I asks. system of imprisonment?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "But we can't all be." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "I should be immensely obliged to you." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "But we can't all be." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the hand, madam?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "That is possible." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." I am not easy in my mind about them." this remarkable episode. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from at once, for I have only half an hour." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "What?" handed it to him. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'There is a drive, then?' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had outsides of the windows. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "And from a noble client?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was,