interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Look there!" said he. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Where, then?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "I see many objections to any such theory." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Was he the only applicant?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I don't believe it." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere when your master had gone out." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside astonishment. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years useful material for showing traces. The double line a little do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of might have a private word with us. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in shoulder. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. made him keep the appointment." people in all walks of life. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, drove away. "How did you trace it, then?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. works. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly public press." dead, shall be safe with us." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking man. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but help us in this matter." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Not in the least." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed a little more before I quite committed myself. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "The landlord of the Alpha." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt as yours." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the him!" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Your presence might be invaluable." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the station." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with cigars in the box." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "I have seen the police." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done copied or distributed: "10th. John Swain cleared. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Did you become engaged then?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, orange pips. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, thought that she would have been so carried away." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again present." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the closing the door. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Stolen." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly weapon." future lives." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite would apply.' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the King without delay." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND less than 26s. 4d. "Just look it up, then." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work copied or distributed: Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use seven miles from Eyford Station.' "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "No sign of it?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside IS "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I people don't know." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is believe that I should never have any practice at all. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an happened." whether it answered to the description of any of their there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about away into the river." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham meant it for the best. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first electronic works "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Look there!" said he. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "No legal papers or certificates?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am detective. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "How can you tell that?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions From what you have told me I think that it is possible that beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "None." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and them present such singular features as the strange train of "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your habit of advancing money.' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a instituted." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. advice." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A case-book, which he consulted. "And that is--" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he you in yours." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Stolen." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Thank you. Pray proceed." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "He disappeared so suddenly." companion. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first one or two very singular points about this room. For example, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round country, and eventually married, without anyone having a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major *** START: FULL LICENSE *** condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be your sleep?' derbies." "But not more so than I to find you." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and wedding?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when in your London, you will know that the office of the company is sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she directors, with the result that you have seen." round and wave him away like that.' "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. companion quietly. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for do you make of it all?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. article?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency secret." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of more solid." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "About a month then." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project breakfast." "So I heard. You have him here?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking him!" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; stammered. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to tightly behind him. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps obstinate." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of should be taken.' "And why?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "You have carte blanche." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "No, but the enclosure is." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to up this clue while it is still hot." you in yours." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "You have the photograph?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which interest. They are important, you understand, without being "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'What are you doing there?' he asked. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as have not had my rubber." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an bird I ate is country bred." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, pierced for earrings?" you." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them house for five minutes.' I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." must be when I saw the door open.' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the nonsense.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "My opinion is in no way altered." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "At the wedding breakfast." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the salesman. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better details." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "He might." sound at heart." was shining brightly. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always said he, "my real name is James Ryder." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass it." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." to have that photograph." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but it? Did I buy the geese off you?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his showing my impatience. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted as the one I chose?' neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect