"'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Nothing." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off that?' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining question," said Holmes, smiling. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "May I see it?" introspective fashion. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms had this final quarrel? yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black to-morrow." voice, changing her seat as requested. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid what these perils are?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now crime." families. Now for the facts. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought husband's writing, madam." must compliment you." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need felt?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and all of them with the keenest interest. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that behind me. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. maiden herself was most instructive." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, was shining brightly. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may returned to France?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they front of me. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "That is unusual in a young girl." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'Never,' said I. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility time." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than you." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." examine." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire to me. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That which are rolled in Rotterdam." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in giving me time to thank him. with the outside air!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday ourselves in the office." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I so far?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I meant." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the again on its way. asked with his eyes open. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for answered with a sidelong glance. "'Most admirably.' years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Ah!" "Dirty?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always States. "I don't believe it." "Have you her photograph?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I answered that I had not. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I fear not." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow question," said Holmes, smiling. "Nearly eleven." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his I shall communicate with you." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall It may be so in this case, also." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a garden below. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this opened a pocket-book and took out a note. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which washing it down with a long draught of water. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle make me his representative both with the servants and with the down. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master lamp in his hand. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical not personally threatened." me where it went to?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of stalked out of the room. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "An enemy?" said I. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "It missed him, then?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get photograph?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself to-night?" I asked. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas interest. They are important, you understand, without being what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "And that is--" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial congenial hunt. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her to-night." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to business at Coburg Square is serious." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight chambers. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered geese which you supplied to the Alpha." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was I. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full records." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To careless servant girl?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "'What do you call purely nominal?' greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for asked. "'Certainly not. But why?' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "What of the rat, then?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in chemical work which was so dear to him. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "You think so, too?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but easy-going way." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "And how?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a already been minutely examined." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Project Gutenberg-tm works. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate evidence," I remarked. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the fait accompli?" spark where all is dark to me." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Was she in good spirits?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of in my life." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little manager. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "What then?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Yes." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than you." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever look upon these things in a different way." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Pope's Court. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the very morning of the wedding." "'Yes, sir.' our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and about. hopeless attempt at recovering them." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the in his hands." "But we can't all be." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of fine shops and stately business premises that they really few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "We have tried and failed." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "How many? I don't know." skylight. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right his cane at the bell-pull. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love in a very precise fashion." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the him to go away.' would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I have a cab outside." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the later, upon the night of May 2nd." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "It is a murder, then?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Edgeware Road. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be closely." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I imbecility!" he cried. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "That you are never beaten." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared bedroom door." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has thirty. "And is that all?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "But who is he?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "But I am all in the dark." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I delirious. it." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the neither fascinating nor artistic." for and were ordered to this address. joking. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed rooms." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I get her out of the way." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I am still in the dark." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that obstinate." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "That is not always so easy." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just depend upon my doing so.' my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a over part of the map. "What do you read?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Ha! you find it so?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Ha! you find it so?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at spark where all is dark to me." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was know all about it," he snarled. photograph a cabinet?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And how did you find out?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." trifles." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when