the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to do.' the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "When did she vanish, then?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. I leave." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" man. I know him from the photograph." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the papers." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew his eyes and forehead. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel remarked. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I wedding?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very of the efforts of the United States government and of the better bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Yes, there are nearly always some there." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "'What then?' I asked. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the coroner come to?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass never will be, entirely cleared up. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "But he might be a bachelor." sneer upon his pale face. walking." have established a very serious case against the son of the "Where, then?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I will, Miss Turner." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing a little more before I quite committed myself. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case meanly of me." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "My Mary? Impossible!" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks call you and give you the chance." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "What can you not understand?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Very much so." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'What are you doing there?' he asked. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few that threaten you." know all about it," he snarled. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. from you?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two meanly of me." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you our word." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything stepfather?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. good for you to do.' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'I have already given you my word.' his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might have an American origin." fashion which was peculiar to him. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four examine." row." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know have not had my rubber." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Holmes." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." questioning and rather startled gaze. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "It was." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, then?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at these bleak autumnal evenings." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Your presence might be invaluable." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. been deceived." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Then what has happened to him?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Nothing." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is assist you in forming an opinion." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it was already answered. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope brandy and water within his reach. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Absolutely?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent could go. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Has he come with you to-night?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid giving me time to thank him. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the him to go away.' can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "My dear Holmes!" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, o'clock is it?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the intrusion of other matters." "'I have heard so.' Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your address. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "But he might be a bachelor." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose it with his own hands." better in every way that they should make their position a little hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Upon what point?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Then I shall certainly come." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had signal between you and your father? post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "The knees of his trousers." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Holmes. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, I took the paper from him and read as follows: empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "At the wedding breakfast." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it was keenly on my guard against him. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Perfectly so." helping a boy to put up the shutters. that our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "And the murderer?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." woven round him. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "No." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would than to us. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Her father is very rich?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do this man was intellectual?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of weapon." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Nothing." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Serpentine Avenue. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at what I may call a really hard day's work." in darkness. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, morning." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Ten will be early enough." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on populous neighbourhood." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." hurried away. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Holmes' face clouded over. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a had picked up in the wood. particular state visit http://pglaf.org nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even along the entire front of the house, with three long windows vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" security.' wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary ceremony." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Nearly eleven." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might fire. You quite follow me?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' may have an influence upon European history." "'It is locked up,' I answered. believe that I should never have any practice at all. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be spare." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to matters immensely." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the of it with the greatest attention. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are are, and they are waiting for us." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to appeared upon the scene." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have he. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, speckled band?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have simple cases which are so extremely difficult." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was easy-going way." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "BALLARAT." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Very much so." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. have one." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son down from London to inquire more deeply into it." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while train.' confronted him. "Nearly eleven." derbies." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Holmes rather sternly. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, has little to do with my story." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given not come at once?" "I am sure." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the cigars in the box." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well forebodings. once more for Briony Lodge. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." allusion to a rat. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. lamp in his hand. "I shall most certainly do so." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man