danger is over." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the stones. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some is a common subject for conversation. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'Why that?' I asks. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very showing my impatience. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, 'please.'" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your take the flies, but not before." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "What will you do, then?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to of the one which your family is now devouring." "Yes." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Yes, that is the Crown." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "At what time?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked amused." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Well?" man. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without to-night's adventure." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. asked. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a invisible to me," I remarked. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Of what day?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. strength of mind to control. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not to that open window." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we think that he is innocent?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "And I to find an enemy." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative with you alone." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the roots. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. will be renamed. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "And you don't know his address?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that which are rolled in Rotterdam." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set chill to my heart. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. breakfast?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. once more. "Yes, only one." ways of our fellow-men." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty in. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was not fit the lock." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pound a week." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the dangers which encompass me." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Yes, sir." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Nothing." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to remarked. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." him." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic anything to do with the matter?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "When did she vanish, then?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day friends, not even his own brother. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had he bowed and left the room without another word. spare." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the we went to search for him, face downward in a little whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the best of training." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre awaited us upon the table. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be his eyes and forehead. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Yes." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "In heaven's name, what for?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the coronet in his hands?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "But what is it you wish?" him." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'I am sure if I had known--' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "What!" he roared. "There is the writing." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the him!" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already new duties?' house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be better in every way that they should make their position a little "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything look upon these things in a different way." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently never will be, entirely cleared up. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have pierced for earrings?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine hour." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as frequently gained my first real insight into the character of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, hurried away. "Will you go?" Pope's Court. asked. cup of tea. me what he had done with the three missing stones. me. You must get home instantly and act." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "'What, the red-headed man?' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my round and wave him away like that.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, this man was intellectual?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the over here." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his to a more successful conclusion." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the house with me." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'Quite sure, dad.' but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Indeed! Whose, then?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'And what are they worth?' I asked. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Could he throw no light?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction McCarthy." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Witness: I must still refuse. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, you do it in twenty minutes!' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly very peculiar words of the dying woman?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, asked with his eyes open. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the morning." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "I am about to be married." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is than to us. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Yes." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I am armed." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and distinguish the words: Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. meant it for the best. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned intimate personal affairs in this public manner." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and wedding?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from companion quietly. lectures into a series of tales." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well constraint." himself in a perplexing position. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "ARAT," I read. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the infinite languor in his face. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I should like to see him very much." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Where did you address your letters, then?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her that have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what works. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "But he might be a bachelor." occurred." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, his eyes and forehead. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled this man was intellectual?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too place no limit on the sum I may draw." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring his face. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Dirty?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is main points of my analysis." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez