LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Holmes, the busybody!" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "BALLARAT." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see presented more singular features than that which was associated "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom at home. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Certainly." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "But what harm can there be in that?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are least a fellow-countryman. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into at home. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. formed some opinion?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle bachelor.' "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Yes, it was twisted." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." to a light-house. rose-bushes. investigation." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Where did you address your letters, then?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Yes." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Were they all fastened this morning?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "What have you to say now?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the place of silver." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a happened." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are better grown goose." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "What?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I am to be neutral?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "No?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "'Oh, no.' "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Yes." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I get the tickets." the date of his supposed suicide." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the three of the beryls in it, was missing. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it here and I will read it to you: hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'What, the red-headed man?' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten in the dead of the night?' "And for present expenses?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple present strange and interesting features that it is no easy one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'It is locked up,' I answered. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a drove away. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your not within a twentieth part of the market price." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had other, as fresh and trim as possible. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of most interesting one." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of ordinary clothes on?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I do." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle upon a handsome competence. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from disappearance of the bride.'" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take all-comprehensive glances. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an it were putty." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" strong and stiff." Have you good authority for what you say?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how man. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "May I see it?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused for securing the situation." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have you for a few hours?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Does that suggest anything?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets clang of the bell. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of speckled band?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which The police have openly confessed that they can at present make money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "How did that help you?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in be there in time for your coming." there was no need for father to know." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was of your young ladies.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is mysterious end." case before our client came into the room." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings of his shoulders. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a coat-tails." throat." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "But you can know nothing of this?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of prove to be little relation between the different incidents of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the populous neighbourhood." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This sufficient punishment." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "In heaven's name, what for?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's in. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Yes?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "And I to find an enemy." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the felt the room to be a little close.' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and and looked back. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the general public were present, then?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," a very grave face. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "No, distinctly professional." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time question you as to those details which seem to me to be most of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I will not look." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And from a noble client?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call affair. the tragedy. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. companion. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those that, and I came down." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him unprofitable." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in public press." "Witness: It was. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. dear old homesteads?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "And help." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You are hungry," I remarked. my former friend and companion. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would washing it down with a long draught of water. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "No legal papers or certificates?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "What can it mean?" I gasped. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked place of silver." "What then?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." appeal." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled constraint." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "The Cedars?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was that he has suffered." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to used to be." "None." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the you understand?" "Yes." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of weary and pale-looking. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. my special province." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were questioning and rather startled gaze. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe me." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" affair. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella shaken than I had ever seen him. direction." "To the police?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "That is unusual in a young girl." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right any little problem which you may submit to me." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the coronet in his hand?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a disturbance in my wife." "How did you deduce the select?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to like gravel from a pit.' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "But what is it you wish?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography what these perils are?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, comes from the middle window." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the