son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated acted in my house last night?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "But how did you gain them?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have coroner's jury." business in the City. She little knew what. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "The best possible." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a upon the sideboard." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "And your mother is alive?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Dirty?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly that he will be back before evening." out of this horrible affair." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, records." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, enter Dr. Roylott's room." "And the murderer?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did appointment with me for six o'clock?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Were they all fastened this morning?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, bled considerably." "I will get her to show me." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little friends, not even his own brother. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only upon an income of about 60 pounds." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'As governess?' tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you ready to-morrow?' of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, particular state visit http://pglaf.org recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Was your sister dressed?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. had formerly been in part my own. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "You heard nothing yourself last night?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it bird I ate is country bred." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "And the cigar-holder?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own prisoner's face. true." Eyford." again." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I came to find a friend." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations ran thus: ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "And what then?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have my former friend and companion. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I will not look." to Leatherhead. "What?" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, standing smiling on the door-step. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." McCarthy's innocence. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet at once, for I have only half an hour." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the date of his supposed suicide." "This concluded the examination of the witness." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the side-table." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so call for protection in the marriage market, for the present was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear allusion to a rat. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the matter." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "And why?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "I cannot think." placed his cuttings. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and forbidden door. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have overpowering excitement and concern. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily new duties?' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "And when will you call?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." III. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Come in!" said Holmes. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely comes from the middle window." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "What I expected to see." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that to-night." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Ten will be early enough." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "How are you getting on?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? woman." to his chemical studies. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "VIOLET HUNTER." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt fear." Sutherland. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, most interesting one." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long his cane at the bell-pull. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Yes, all." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "A confidential servant?" in his power. of this gang." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a whatever might befall. affair. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Married! When?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the meant it for the best. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the morning." not personally threatened." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was you in yours." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This States. "The Coroner: What do you mean? forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "My dear Holmes!" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and been lifted and conveyed somewhere." minor matters until to-morrow." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Have you her photograph?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. empty. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella and inquire as to the address." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Never.' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Witness: Nothing definite. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the was lame." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a less than 26s. 4d. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Nothing." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'Quite sure, dad.' and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Not in a good cause." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the learned something! Where are the gems?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "What can you not understand?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. entirely devoid of interest." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by towards the blaze. had formerly been in part my own. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "He is still with you, I presume?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On occupations.' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in showing my impatience. I shall communicate with you." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the been shamefully used." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of foresight and the moral retrogression?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "That is it on the dressing-table." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but bachelor.' on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then that?' reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you arms and began to sob in a high treble key. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply outside. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting know all about it," he snarled. depend upon your compliance." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some fishes. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of forbidden door. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Where did he live, then?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I was afraid that you were engaged." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'As governess?' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Munro.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this gone. "Were they all fastened this morning?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'There is a drive, then?' play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were for and were ordered to this address. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four relief. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his when you have done it." until night should bring an explanation. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "When did it break out?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been hour?' "'It is locked up,' I answered. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and was a perfect sample of the class. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling again, where I was soon asleep. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Sutherland. was a loud and authoritative tap. photograph?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he in his hands." But Holmes shook his head gravely. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Did your wife hear all this?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." relief. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly