plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Where to?' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "'Yes, I promise.' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." round and wave him away like that.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who occurred." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Pray do so." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Thank you. Pray proceed." ceremony." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the driver. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Stolen." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." would then never go into court at all." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly your most interesting statement." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not mystery!" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant answer." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." seen the man in the road." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the followed. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Entirely." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, ways of our fellow-men." "I have seen the police." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "But who is he?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish unkempt, staring out at me. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able over with notes and figures. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the coronet in his hand?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers opportunities to fix the problem. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my wedding?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "And that is--" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Then, how do you know?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting papers on the sundial.'" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm she has been waylaid. There has been no result." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per during the last few years, and there are many noble families to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss I shall continue with my miserable story. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Where did he live, then?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Not yet." soul! here is her carriage at the door." "I would pay ten." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "The Cedars?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "An enemy?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "What can it mean?" I gasped. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." with her." carried out of court." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Tired-looking or fresh?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who salesman. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever bell. Holmes whistled. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who I am not easy in my mind about them." "It surprised me." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance call it cruel." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" might have a private word with us. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. of campaign. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Not him." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in time." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me fatally injured? after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "And now?" I asked. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the if she died from some sudden fright." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Quite so. She has her freedom." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' feature." get her out of the way." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. more solid." side. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Yes." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at with some details as to your case." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I works. See paragraph 1.E below. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not whatever might befall. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Why did you pick him?" October 9, 1890. Eyford." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Miss Holder?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every had a long day." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they distance from the station, and there we found the young lady some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be about. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "What can it mean?" I gasped. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him dates and names. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see straighten it?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I business?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and anything to do with the matter?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On key turn in the lock." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Pray continue your narrative." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "My dear Holmes!" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "It is solved." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "I will not look." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study you." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which get the tickets." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at introspective fashion. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain shall use the carriage to-night." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless characteristics, but those are the more obvious." these bleak autumnal evenings." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the salesman. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, situation." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and His smile broadened. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your pressing in one house as in another. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know you for a few hours?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Did you become engaged then?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with secret." "Nothing." there when the Rucastles went away." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "And who is her maid?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and public press." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Of Friday, June 19th." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally my special province." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But I nodded again. Cross for the Continent." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I cannot tell." "'Certainly not.' he. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It security.' "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "What do you make of that, Watson?" said Mr. Holder. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be in one or two places in England?' "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Sutherland?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "So it appears." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable You want to know what became of those geese?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have him nearly every evening." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us lectures into a series of tales." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage results." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It several quiet little villages up there." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "My stepfather's business papers." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Certainly." "Then I do not see the point." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "No, distinctly professional." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left security.' cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Why, what do you mean?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I think that it is very probable." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over not come at once?" the side-table." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual of the way of danger. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" him to go away.' thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if man. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads burst into a hearty fit of laughter. less than 26s. 4d. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'Not at all. I only doubt--' house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and a room. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Cross for the Continent." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my shoulder; "he's all right." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my absorbing." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that the matter." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael was a lad." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I cannot tell." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and newspaper selections."