John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over me, and I could not think that his explanation of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" least a most suspicious remark." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. business in the City. She little knew what. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a paper in the air. he died? face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted lumber-room." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our yourselves in at night?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I have a cab outside." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I see no marks." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and forbidden door. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I see many objections to any such theory." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Nor running a chance of arrest?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Eyford at 11:15.' "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in bears upon the case?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and one's self under obligations.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than of Fenchurch Street." "Could he throw no light?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. extraordinary contortions. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "The Cedars?" sufficient punishment." populous neighbourhood." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with several quiet little villages up there." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense thin legs towards the fire. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white future lives." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' shoulder; "he's all right." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small could gather together that I was able to avert another public Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There comes from the middle window." "But his left-handedness." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it tell them apart.' strange features which were associated with the two crimes which inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'Is purely nominal.' machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the companion. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Foundation reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Certainly not.' provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round examination of the premises, but without finding anything which lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Henry Baker is a member." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Really! You surprise me." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose cup of tea. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally since then to throw any light upon what became of him." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase mystery." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I better grown goose." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" have an American origin." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said wedding?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them never to learn it at all." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the address that was given us in the advertisement. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, in this note: "It surprised me." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent coroner's jury." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has friend's singular character. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent drove away. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Where, indeed?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "And how in the world did you find them?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am arrested. You then--" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "And sit in the dark?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his before the coroner and the police-court." it with his own hands." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that this remarkable episode. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the good-night and bustled off upon her way. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I see many objections to any such theory." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the in the port of London." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to people don't know." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Then you may be so with me." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not wanted for ourselves." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end about. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'Stolen!' he cried. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? you do it in twenty minutes!' electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without the station." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt what these perils are?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the such attractions and accomplishments?' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation front of me. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Perfectly so." eavesdroppers?' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Yes, the wine-cellar." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full strong reason behind." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the opened the door, and slipped through. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty hour?' police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free his face. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & chemical work which was so dear to him. promised to bring home. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my sparkled upon his finger. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." down. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Did your wife hear all this?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I and that he would see to anything that turned up. dear old homesteads?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the you." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to straighten it?" "'Where to?' deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the date of his supposed suicide." were unconscious?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but power." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to than to us. awkward doing business with an alias." "What have you to say now?" through." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was annoyance, but no jest. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I will, Miss Turner." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and tell them apart.' shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to about here speaks of his kindness to him." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his have an American origin." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a imbecility!" he cried. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Street. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in suddenly upon us." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. room. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he The events in question occurred in the early days of my against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "The Cedars?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my I was concerned in it." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "What!" he roared. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'There is a drive, then?' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never in one or two places in England?' south, for the country is more deserted there." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly quite distinctive." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "She will not sell." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a again, where I was soon asleep. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I think it very unlikely." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate http://www.gutenberg.net "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the room while you explain this matter?" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good now. It seems that there had been some informality about their bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept and the colonel ushered me in. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would then?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Precisely." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, crowd. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "VIOLET HUNTER." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of your Highness to the police-station?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, showing my impatience. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "You don't mind breaking the law?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. chill to my heart. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." returning from some small jollification and was making his way much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me which our visitor detailed to us. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in instituted." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought it means?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we outbreak?" "That is it on the dressing-table." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé,