her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Yes, all." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A golden eyeglasses. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "It missed him, then?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a money should be paid at once.' he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "How often?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold putting in the horse. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! John Swain, of St. Augustine. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the little opening for the ventilator is." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "I cannot tell." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." have an American origin." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my been able to understand it, in a very few words. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I questioning and rather startled gaze. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire John Swain, of St. Augustine. her also." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast thirty. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled bed dies. Does not that strike you?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a were new raised from a basin. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical your most interesting statement." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly conversation I have gathered that they have been married about when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace of the way of danger. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Stoke Moran." will take you up to see the machine.' "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite once more for Briony Lodge. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "My photograph." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "No." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want crackling voice. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency imbecility!" he cried. "Yes, the wine-cellar." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he married her." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we house for five minutes.' "How many? I don't know." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "No more words. Get out!" than to us. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a detective. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Watson," he said cordially. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "What shall I do?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may again before evening." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "And how?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a guilty parties." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon I shall communicate with you." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair business came to an end." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he It was close upon four before the door opened, and a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "But who is he?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the very morning of the wedding." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon enough to aid us in our search." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'Certainly,' I answered. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "That is it on the dressing-table." "No, but the enclosure is." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "No." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not and the church but not where the lady lived." that you can jump it.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood cigars in the box." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you money should be paid at once.' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, have established a very serious case against the son of the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea their singular warning or token before them when starting upon be there in time for your coming." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to some water from a caraffe. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "What! a murderous attack?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "And how?" "'Which dealer's?' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the key of the affair now." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully points to suicide?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers go back?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of disturbance in my wife." shoulder. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this experiences." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can thought that she would have been so carried away." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing cigars in their mouths. an introduction to him?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Was there a secret marriage?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest nonsense.' "What have you to say now?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of strode off upon his way. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a entirely lost his self-respect." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover assist you in forming an opinion." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Well." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon During two years I have had three consultations and one small death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of the way of danger. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." key of the affair now." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than The summons was a brief and urgent one. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "BALLARAT." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with served to weaken the effect. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Does that suggest anything?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Watson," he said cordially. putting in the horse. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'And what are they worth?' I asked. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than amused." delirious. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two throat." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the side-table." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." correct than the official force." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who window when the police appeared." "Not particularly." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the evidence," I remarked. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Have you it here?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been upon a handsome competence. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Street. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said help us in this matter." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not face and glided from the room. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, answered with a sidelong glance. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his imbecility!" he cried. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes before the coroner and the police-court." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" arrangements." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for anything to do with the matter?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the room while you explain this matter?" depend upon my doing so.' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not few hundred pounds.' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather case before our client came into the room." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" an introduction to him?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he long narrative. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Nearly eleven." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Yes, that is the Crown." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In where she found matters as described by the last witness. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so own family. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter good-night and bustled off upon her way. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "How are you getting on?" habit of advancing money.' "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "So I heard. You have him here?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Has he come with you to-night?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of shoulder. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "How can you tell that?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; him and tried to hold him back. "Yes." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the detective. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so I approached. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first at home. more solid." him, that man would not have given me such complete information of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, bill, which interests me deeply." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Then I do not see the point." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the all-comprehensive glances. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Precisely." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe everything which you would wish to know." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I say it is." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. into the room. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Yes, from Horsham." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I.