the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Pool. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his spark where all is dark to me." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the bottom.' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Texas, I think." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "It was a confession," I ejaculated. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Tired-looking or fresh?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Who by?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the running down." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have will find little credit to be gained out of this case." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project this as likely?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their fattened it expressly for you.' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which trifles." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not it? Did I buy the geese off you?" recover the gem." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan outside. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an could gather together that I was able to avert another public "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Yes, it would be as well." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "He might." your billet.' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Not particularly." "Then what has happened to him?" outbreak?" "And that is--" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out along the entire front of the house, with three long windows new duties?' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I have come for advice." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and ways of our fellow-men." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself washing it down with a long draught of water. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive shall not find me ungrateful." cup of tea. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be him, that man would not have given me such complete information the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very where we are going." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "And from a noble client?" residence of the great financier. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which words came to my lips. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The there were so many in the whole country as were brought together of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them in your London, you will know that the office of the company is of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Holmes." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. people don't know." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Arthur Conan Doyle "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the present." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "But what will you do?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles future lives." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the strength in the others." gentleman's clothes. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, looking up at the numbers of the houses." goes." memory. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me not use it unless it is absolutely needed." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Yes, only one." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. that he has suffered." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." bill, which interests me deeply." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and not as remarkable as your advertisement." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. his huge brown hands. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its License. You must require such a user to return or India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then know all about it," he snarled. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a you give your casting vote to?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "What shall I do?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias opportunities to fix the problem. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. never will be, entirely cleared up. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "In which, sir?" bird of prey. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on the devil!" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door which should have the effect of calling the attention of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a time." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "One of the highest in England." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "The knees of his trousers." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would God! What an exposure! What can I do?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Foundation "Then he might have called to you?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his colonel looking down at me. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by is entirely a question of barometric pressure." been shamefully used." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I shall most certainly do so." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" compunction about shooting them down." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." quick march!" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Did your wife hear all this?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the intrusion of other matters." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "But the mystery?" our word." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened your equipment. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after matter over." "But the mystery?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle good for you to do.' St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any ourselves in the office." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can noting anything else of interest. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be and files of the old papers, following the future career of every moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his little trying to do so much typewriting?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "But how will you look?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'And what salary do you ask?' "How do you know, then?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate upon the shelf for the interim." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR way in." "And help." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes likely to be some crony of the landlady's." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Clair, of Lee." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "What then?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Your presence might be invaluable." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, works. See paragraph 1.E below. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he him!" and the church but not where the lady lived." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "That is it on the dressing-table." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the me what he had done with the three missing stones. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell to affect your life." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon tapping his fingers upon the table. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "A call for help, you thought?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of characteristics, but those are the more obvious." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Who was the criminal, then?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Doctor, of the paper and the date." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback better grown goose." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and capable of preserving a secret.' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt public press." quickly through a disagreeable task. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Very much so." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Will you go?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang away in different directions, and I went off to make my own call the police, let the police find what they can.' a good hundred miles off by now." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does man. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. reach." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that grasp, he hurried from the room. your most interesting statement." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "But you would not advise me to refuse?" of a light. "What can you not understand?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'And what salary do you ask?' my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "To an end?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "No, thank goodness, she did not." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, call you and give you the chance." The King stared at him in amazement. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but his fortune, and I went back to pa. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "I am following you closely," I answered. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a throat." quickly through a disagreeable task. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger know what is wrong with it.' them?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you without a word or a look. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of