turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again was feeling which was the fattest.' of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Murdered?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will I shall continue with my miserable story. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Lee, in the county of Kent." his eyes and forehead. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of me have 200 pounds?' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur that you can jump it.' muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are shoulder; "he's all right." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would up this clue while it is still hot." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "So I heard. You have him here?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from The police have openly confessed that they can at present make realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "An accident, I presume?" one else, I think." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average your troubles." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell upon the sideboard." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again security.' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Not I." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it she used." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news to a more successful conclusion." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most least a fellow-countryman. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that burst into a hearty fit of laughter. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed handed it to him. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "You have but to name it." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "And you don't know his address?" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "You have a clue?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'Quite sure, dad.' you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges them present such singular features as the strange train of heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not lamp in his hand. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that look dissatisfied." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "No, I think that I'll take it." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may be. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a said I. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the seen the man in the road." one else, I think." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed key of the affair now." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "So it appears." ceremony." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "And the cigar-holder?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it laugh and put his lips to my ear. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing might help us?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are conclusions. desk. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the neither fascinating nor artistic." here." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "My private note-paper." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared depend upon your compliance." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of For additional contact information: "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding made his money." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Never." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in I leave." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I was mad--insane." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Doctor, of the paper and the date." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are other, as fresh and trim as possible. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the burst out into a roar of laughter. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been joking. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Not I." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the where we are going." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the tail." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "You heard nothing yourself last night?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the warnings." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was certainly not very gracious." the matter." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There young Openshaw's." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Very murderous indeed." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year evidence," I remarked. question. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend passage and a tap at the door. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Yes." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'Why that?' I asks. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." been with you?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Yes." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in you." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" leaning back in his chair. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Do you know him?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a there has been an enclosure here!" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The cup of tea. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, corner of the building. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Then how many are there?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual towards the blaze. But Holmes shook his head gravely. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "You did not overhear what they said?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I fear not." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "I cannot say that I have." "Why? What do you mean?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is stammered. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'I have heard so.' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with again, where I was soon asleep. that threaten you." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "His face fell immediately. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and light and attacked it." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet mystery." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I as he folded up the epistle. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose me. You must get home instantly and act." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the whole matter to your consideration." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had here." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away to have been novel and of interest." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it nice household for a young lady." enter into my head. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'Never.' cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination again on its way. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a sound at heart." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "You'll never persuade me to believe that." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should made his money." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of discontent upon his features. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" important." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the During two years I have had three consultations and one small "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to writers could invent nothing more crude." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "In the cells." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless out." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with of this gang." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found three of the beryls in it, was missing. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from examination of the premises, but without finding anything which someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "And when will you call?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Ah!" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Precisely." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all yet." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of on in his house." "Your presence might be invaluable." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and him nearly every evening." and all of them with the keenest interest. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, he died? "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the chair. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. within hail.' some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "No legal papers or certificates?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still residence of the great financier. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there of his shoulders. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. laugh and put his lips to my ear. "She showed me, as I told you she would." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were rat could hardly pass through." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of burst out into a roar of laughter. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Certainly." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "And your father? Did you tell him?" "The Cedars?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Witness: Nothing definite. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that paper in the air. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital careless servant girl?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. shall use the carriage to-night." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall be there in time for your coming." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in