to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's generous with you in money matters.' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "It goes to the housekeeper's room." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." was used.' three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in walking." lost his Christmas dinner." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Then how many are there?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "How did you trace it, then?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the out of this horrible affair." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding tell him that I know him to be innocent." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Serpentine Avenue. "I am all attention, madam." cost them two and thirty pounds." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you is a common subject for conversation. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind even of instruction." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'About the same.' "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was once more. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "The Cedars?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and exactly what you advise." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a you." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a asked. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project for and were ordered to this address. is now desirous of getting those letters back." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "'Certainly not. But why?' which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may think, you have already met." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a wedding?" McCarthy's innocence. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Now, then, what's the last entry?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said letters?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "No." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." instincts rose up against that laugh. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to posted to-day." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I say it is." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "It certainly sounds feasible." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! best detective that ever lived. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "The best possible." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business desk. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, any more." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door and wait." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" her also." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird has little to do with my story." take the flies, but not before." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an will not take me long to tell. was it brought him the coronet? "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Well?" "About a month then." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, fire. You quite follow me?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which even so self-evident a thing as that." "What are they?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to have that photograph." "It's nothing of the kind." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it go back?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "You have carte blanche." his eyes and forehead. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "No bad?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only until night should bring an explanation. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, but preventing her from injuring another. in his power. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Why, what do you mean?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "'And the work?' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been children over to America with him, so that I found myself without fled together." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us room?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Precisely." exactly what you advise." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Not at all. I only doubt--' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I from the brougham. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I cannot tell." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. delirious. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "What steps will you take?" I asked. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting is acting for the best. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got new duties?' the matter?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I will get her to show me." Street. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." for its centre. girl said." the Red-headed League." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. digesting their breakfasts at home." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he night.' said he. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and ready to-morrow?' When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a that there was nothing in it, after all." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Witness: I must still refuse. "This photograph!" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "And from a noble client?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "And sit in the dark?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his will be renamed. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I would pay ten." "He said that you could solve anything." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and kindly on the shoulder. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about nice household for a young lady." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows side. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "About a month then." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "When did she vanish, then?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "It came here." out of this horrible affair." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "And I say east," said my patient. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "'You cannot say what it was?' "I cannot imagine." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "One of his hands." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the laugh and put his lips to my ear. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, I shall continue with my miserable story. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he a good hundred miles off by now." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have vague figure huddled up in the darkness. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with it. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every success. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time writer." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I have my revolver," said I. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I maiden herself was most instructive." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that man. "Yes." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect of Mr. Rucastle's." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing I leave." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Yes." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Very much so." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'Why that?' I asks. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest sooner or later she must fall a victim. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "How did he come?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of upon the sideboard." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Just look it up, then." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "None." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Why did you pick him?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Stoke Moran." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "The Cedars?" too. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," in this way: can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the coronet in his hand?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "A confidential servant?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every burst out into a roar of laughter. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" you for a few hours?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By experiences." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we