"7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. to talk it over. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "In heaven's name, what for?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of it with the greatest attention. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she girl said." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the with some details as to your case." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still get her out of the way." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through to-night's adventure." spare." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's beyond words. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the which our visitor detailed to us. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as felt the room to be a little close.' did not hear it also.' minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone generous with you in money matters.' their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Look there!" said he. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." help us in this matter." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached until night should bring an explanation. the stable lane now." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I see many objections to any such theory." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." towards the blaze. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. into the room. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Foundation should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "And when will you call?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could future lives." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure started for the Temple to see my husband. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking felt?" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "It was an hour's good drive." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "What can it mean?" I gasped. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only that he has suffered." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what one of the states of the Union." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big overpowering excitement and concern. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't that, and I came down." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their ordinary clothes on?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I have seen the police." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "That is possible." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I would give my fortune to have them back." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' for the market.' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "What then?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Well, but China?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "That is it on the dressing-table." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." joking. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Of Friday, June 19th." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "To the police?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, himself to tell his story. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman is now desirous of getting those letters back." "We must have a cab." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Her father is very rich?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly get the tickets." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an papers." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" noble correspondent could be. himself in a perplexing position. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Do you receive much company?" he asked. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." and a shock of very red hair. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside to miss it." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his to a more successful conclusion." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is her also." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight so far?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the tail." secret." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire telegram would bring me down to your help." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Then I can wait in the next room." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. get the tickets." unkempt, staring out at me. is now desirous of getting those letters back." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed for the market.' your sleep?' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Was there a secret marriage?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in tear off another piece?' End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Nothing." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then hour." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Your French gold?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round fire. You quite follow me?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the believe that I should never have any practice at all. prepare for the new role I have to play." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the nothing with him." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "It is very clear." was it brought him the coronet? maid will bring up your coffee." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'You cannot say what it was?' read it out to me." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your them, and came down just as you departed. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. where she found matters as described by the last witness. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three was a perfect sample of the class. the best of training." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Do you know him?" "By all means." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, and laid it on the table. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "You were travelling in the States?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Again Holmes raved in the air. very old mansion. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "She showed me, as I told you she would." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the gone before you can get him to hospital." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran off." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'What, the red-headed man?' "'I have heard so.' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I you." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the formed some opinion?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in character. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. meant it for the best. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the tragedy. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with the inquest, and which are worth considering." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his charge against him will break down." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Yes?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I do." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I have hopes." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Heh?' sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Cross for the Continent." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. third from London." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think been anything against him. He had for years been known as a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am gone. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "What, then?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "'No, I know no one in these parts.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." of receipt of the work. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing trying to your nerves." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Certainly." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the inquest, and which are worth considering." said he. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "None. Neville wrote those words." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice me. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Edgeware Road. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "What then?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming are, and they are waiting for us." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house him nearly every evening." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting hands. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might showing my impatience. "Was she in good spirits?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was here." "'Is purely nominal.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I