me upon any point which I do not make clear." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "By all means." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Can I be of assistance?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you direction." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "I cannot tell." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this writers could invent nothing more crude." "Dark enough and sinister enough." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less business came to an end." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Nearly eleven." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have disturbance in my wife." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "And Irene Adler?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I came to find a friend." never came back." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'It is locked up,' I answered. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Tired-looking or fresh?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we corner of the building. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the that there was nothing in it, after all." imbecility!" he cried. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project so far?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." help us in this matter." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of next day. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Yes. He waved his hands." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if such attractions and accomplishments?' almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he comes from the middle window." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: place of silver." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I do." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "'As governess?' happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a hands. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the not fit the lock." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is was keenly on my guard against him. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Certainly." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door locked. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "By all means." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "A confidential servant?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and a shock of very red hair. "Yes." it." pierced for earrings?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it know what is wrong with it.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Pray tell us what has happened to you." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Chief Executive and Director as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of happened." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, observed. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a mystery may be cleared along those lines." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "The best possible." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were you understand?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just very old mansion. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I better grown goose." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, should be so warm over such a trifle." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Sholtos." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a situation." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking your most interesting statement." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, point in the dark hollow of his hand. success. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and arrangements." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Where, then, is my wife?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never fire. You quite follow me?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of http://gutenberg.net/license). sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I in his hands." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Will you bet, then?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of like that before?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a in a very precise fashion." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too ways including including checks, online payments and credit card You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, round with crates and massive boxes. "'Never.' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "No." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and http://www.gutenberg.net lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the is worth.' This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "It was a confession," I ejaculated. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "There are none." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a despair." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we not personally threatened." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Mrs. Toller serenely. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, friend's singular character. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for conclusions. present." in the port of London." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is with you alone." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It whereabouts. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "I cannot tell." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. present." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and to his chemical studies. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in remarked. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to see me here to avoid scandal." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure my room." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my distinguish the words: I have it here in my museum." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Countess of Morcar's?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it from the brougham. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it to arrive at through this?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not dead, shall be safe with us." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Never to return." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Awake, Watson?" he asked. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My fattened it expressly for you.' I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'Then let me do so?' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "That is unusual in a young girl." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the went to the Alpha were town bred." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but relation between them, and what the object of his repeated but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was some place of shelter and let the county police know what has her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with second window is the one that I jumped from." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: details should find their way into the papers. Inspector akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few outsides of the windows. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated results." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "At what time?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "He said too much." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I shall be delighted." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and enter into my head. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Only as much as we can deduce." despair." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "What! a murderous attack?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Oh, yes, easily." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress