no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia that I am arrested." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I see many objections to any such theory." His name is Francis Prosper." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, locked. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the indeed which he could not unravel. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp nights." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE humiliation." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "When did it break out?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'There is a drive, then?' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the morning and make my own way in the world.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Indeed! Whose, then?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Murdered?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Mary, has deserted me." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of it right.' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which unkempt, staring out at me. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "None." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for photograph?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Surrey." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, was already answered. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone leave you to your papers for a little." Arthur Conan Doyle saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the least a fellow-countryman. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social forehead. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Breckinridge is his name." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." against a man in the prime of life?" business." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Deserted you?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, stepfather?" upon the shelf for the interim." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Then you may be so with me." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "That also I could fathom." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause in a very precise fashion." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull The police have openly confessed that they can at present make animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had manager. of campaign. passage and a tap at the door. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was his wife has ceased to love him." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "My own seal." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "It may not come to that," said Holmes. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely three of the beryls in it, was missing. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped assist you in forming an opinion." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "An accident, I presume?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to key turn in the lock." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." cup of tea. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Just look it up, then." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. directly by questioning you." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful quickly through a disagreeable task. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, out." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "To the police?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow events, Mr. Windibank!" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some of the efforts of the United States government and of the better colonel looking down at me. foot. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. noble correspondent could be. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "To an end?" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "The murder was done with it." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "And what then?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he strength of mind to control. sufficient punishment." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had weighed down with some great anxiety. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at chamber." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these The telegram which we eventually received came late one night thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Won't it ring?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Holmes." "None." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," made him keep the appointment." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is examine." "How did he come?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated humiliation." Street. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear matter." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the King without delay." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I business." if only as a check to my own memory." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the loss of it. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is for securing the situation." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Absolutely none." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Is he quiet?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And how?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I have solved it." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate a monotonous occupation." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "If so, much may have happened between." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which of your young ladies.' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "We have tried and failed." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to happened." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' young Openshaw's." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "No, I am descending." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise ventilator." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my at my remark. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of ashen face. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "What is it?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this there were one or two details which were new to me. But the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "They are typewritten," I remarked. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the disappearance of the bride.'" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is himself in a perplexing position. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she 1.E.9. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy ourselves in the office." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But new duties?' thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies reach." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The Cedars?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a do.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess tear off another piece?' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make recall any case within my experience which looked at the first beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the lamp in his hand. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "'Never,' said I. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his deduce something from that?" that, and I came down." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "A thing like a cleaver," said he. to-night's adventure." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." of the one which your family is now devouring." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "He might." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! him!" closing the door. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' digesting their breakfasts at home." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "The decline of his fortunes, then?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and deduce something from that?" "It is solved." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the whole matter to your consideration." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but than to us. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which such attractions and accomplishments?' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "What! Had he lost his wife?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, quite distinctive." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Have you good authority for what you say?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had young Openshaw's." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, morning." "I would give my fortune to have them back." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had to me. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause furiously. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I am in hopes that she does." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the himself. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud of his shoulders. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" his eyes and forehead. morning." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable little trying to do so much typewriting?" dear old homesteads?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my very old mansion. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise