crime." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Where does the thing come from?' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "'Never,' said I. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down tightly behind him. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy purpose of examination. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon you for a few hours?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "He said that you could solve anything." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that out of this horrible affair." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my prison!" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or chair. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I of Mr. Rucastle's." into the bag, and made for the door. quite distinctive." "And now?" I asked. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Well?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are never to learn it at all." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, and capable of preserving a secret.' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'About the same.' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Project Gutenberg-tm works. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "But how?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, girl said." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Always." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "And did you observe any change in her then?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "And on what day did he meet his death?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. disappearance of these gems?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal 1.F. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure them?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'I am sure if I had known--' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little it." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "No." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can 'please.'" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "'And the work?' he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "It is half-past ten now." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the companion. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "In heaven's name, what for?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on in darkness. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "I don't believe it." of the vacancies.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have and your relations to her." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I that threaten you." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards very morning of my second wedding." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." noting anything else of interest. chair. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I will he say when he returns?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord to me. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Countess of Morcar's?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall sufficient punishment." "But how will you look?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire be sorry for having acted so harshly." villagers almost as much as their master. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." forecastle of an emigrant ship. and looked back. "Always." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I have a cab outside." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Yes, he did." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have with frightened eyes at his accuser. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Yes, it was twisted." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Will you go?" situation." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon wanted for ourselves." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' presume?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to make me his representative both with the servants and with the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Absolutely?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and ceremony." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' know that the truth is known." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "It was an hour's good drive." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when stood on the top of it. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I say that I have solved it." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "But you can know nothing of this?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and as noiselessly as she had come. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and the church but not where the lady lived." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "In the cells." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and shall probably return to London by the evening train." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Was he the only applicant?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one take the flies, but not before." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "The landlord of the Alpha." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an help us in this matter." newspaper selections." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of bell. Holmes whistled. "Yesterday." the coroner come to?" one of them." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "If so, much may have happened between." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I will not look." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking prison!" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in begun to whiten, even as mine has." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are papers must be those that are destroyed.' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "The best possible." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive because she had spent so short a time in this country that she in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is politicians who had been sent down from the North. matter." if she died from some sudden fright." arrested. You then--" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On became a certainty. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider ran thus: We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, room. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." mysterious end." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who dead, shall be safe with us." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been some city in a dream. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Quite so. She has her freedom." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not towards the blaze. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my For additional contact information: "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with affection." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that murdered man." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "No." that never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "And what did you see?" your bag." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "You have carte blanche." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the general public were present, then?" hereditary King of Bohemia." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for writers could invent nothing more crude." "Only as much as we can deduce." clang of the bell. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was against a man in the prime of life?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "At what time?" "What is it, then--a fire?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without know all about it," he snarled. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the coronet at all injured?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was IS he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like married her." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "What shall I do?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not