wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'Where to?' persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is tell him that I know him to be innocent." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even felt the room to be a little close.' "Yes." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 in a very precise fashion." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" weapon." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began in the hope of finding them." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. may have an influence upon European history." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "And Miss Sutherland?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable future lives." "I was mad--insane." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some away in different directions, and I went off to make my own bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Holmes' face clouded over. goes." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I cannot imagine." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "In San Francisco, a year ago." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "What?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite presented more singular features than that which was associated also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Yes." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal tell them apart.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet respectable self." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Have you her photograph?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Have you it here?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "No good news?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! giving me time to thank him. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "It looks newer than the other things?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover enter into my head. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin I have it here in my museum." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I questionable one." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I will, Miss Turner." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Here?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil excitement. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had did not hear it also.' "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. drawing your inferences." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the best of training." soul! here is her carriage at the door." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Was your sister dressed?" morning." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the copied or distributed: or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Well, some hundreds of times." very old mansion. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "What, then, did Peterson do?" "None." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to comes from the middle window." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the flock.' Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, throat." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. I have it here in my museum." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for your most interesting statement." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a thirty. "My dear Holmes!" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "It is possible." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. tied." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no kind enough to tell me what I should do." joking. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his that you saw all that I did." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her off." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else is a common subject for conversation. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Tired-looking or fresh?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Again Holmes raved in the air. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were to-morrow." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, some city in a dream. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front round with crates and massive boxes. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Texas, I think." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the address that was given us in the advertisement. business." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not said Mr. Holder. round and wave him away like that.' like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the side-table." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you his eyes and forehead. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "And I say east," said my patient. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Was your sister dressed?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. wanted for ourselves." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what if I call to-morrow?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Then he might have called to you?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy province." it." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Yes." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me you in your example." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "And Irene Adler?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Frequently." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "And why?" "But he might be a bachelor." later, upon the night of May 2nd." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. own family. "And why?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that it." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that past. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to a good hundred miles off by now." yet." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a I. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, himself. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Eh? What was that?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents if she died from some sudden fright." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Eyford." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and girl said." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that do." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Stolen." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I events than those which have happened in my own family." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel maid will bring up your coffee." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Pray do so." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the awaited us upon the table. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, three fields round his house, and there he would take his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was residence of the great financier. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A already referred to. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how as yours." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "That is also quite modern," said the lady. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid furiously. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is hand, madam?" "Married! When?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon waste of energy." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "What shall I do?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing of receipt of the work. awaited us upon the table. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Stoke Moran?" said he. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. that I can to serve you." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. not, dad?" she asked. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and very morning of my second wedding." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left where we are going." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "And who is her maid?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a indeed which he could not unravel. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that gigantic client. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "It missed him, then?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would you." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. that threaten you." "I am still in the dark." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Witness: It was. light and attacked it." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "I say that I have solved it." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "I am about to be married." next day. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "'Certainly,' I answered. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but derbies." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "But you have hopes?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich London for the present?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Only as much as we can deduce." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow comes from the middle window." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "That is easily got." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers your billet.' and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "She will not sell." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the general public were present, then?" Street. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." bears upon the case?" Street. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "What will you do, then?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, mysterious business."