"If so, much may have happened between." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss said he. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Do you go out much in society?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud their singular warning or token before them when starting upon have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us his face which made him a very different person to the round, Project Gutenberg-tm works. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a head. So long, then!" works. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger face and glided from the room. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Yes." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "My last client of the sort was a king." acquaintance?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "What have you to say now?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily grasp, he hurried from the room. this poor creature." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it even so self-evident a thing as that." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great me." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Eyford." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "By no means." "BALLARAT." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag His name is Francis Prosper." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Pope's Court. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a distinguish the words: "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is back to my heart. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have wanted for ourselves." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "No, I had a dozen." "The Coroner: What do you mean? wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Perfectly so." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking she might be summoned. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who easy-going way." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any know what is wrong with it.' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you entirely devoid of interest." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the station." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up enter Dr. Roylott's room." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, of a light. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "What will you say?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. out." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it stepfather?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'I am sure if I had known--' "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner again on its way. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "No, thank goodness, she did not." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Certainly." "Yes, it was twisted." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "One of his hands." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Nothing?" hands. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should intrusion of other matters." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to late." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; American. Then who could this American be, and why should he its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may straightened it out again. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. approach us with offers to donate. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, it were putty." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. indiscretion." electronic works been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Miss Holder?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a bonnet, and went out." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "I have solved it." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a directly by questioning you." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "About a month then." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot direction." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Yes, sir." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, pound a week." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. good for you to do.' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more o'clock is it?" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by have I gained?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one if only as a check to my own memory." were wasted." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in your equipment. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but of the efforts of the United States government and of the better frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, recover the gem." spark where all is dark to me." in the hope of finding them." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, tell them apart.' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been window when the police appeared." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the matter." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "That you are never beaten." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: charge against him will break down." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret to have been novel and of interest." and the church but not where the lady lived." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'And the work?' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project had no one to advise her at such a crisis." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have entirely devoid of interest." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Perhaps I have." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our awkward doing business with an alias." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Very much so." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "My last client of the sort was a king." death." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? burst into a hearty fit of laughter. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, there." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events threw himself down with his face to the pillow. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our main points of my analysis." six. Come in!" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own and put his glass in his pocket. "Yes." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Witness: Nothing definite. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Here?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "But I am all in the dark." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate young Openshaw's." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "ARAT," I read. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "But you have hopes?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same joking. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I will do it." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Witness: I must still refuse. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Were they all fastened this morning?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily ago." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond geese which you supplied to the Alpha." sound at heart." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings a little more before I quite committed myself. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the address that was given us in the advertisement. "It is very clear." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and meant." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation leaning back in his chair. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she to change my dress. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "He is still with you, I presume?" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." my secret was safe in his possession. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. you, my dear young lady?' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "I see no marks." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic do you make of it all?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been should be taken.' surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." chance at all." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them since then to throw any light upon what became of him." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in washing it down with a long draught of water. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to cup of tea. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal bearing upon the case." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his delighted to hear it," he said. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the over with notes and figures. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "None." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may charge against him will break down." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Nothing." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were indeed which he could not unravel. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter been with you?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the standing smiling on the door-step. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." go back?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Perhaps I have." forehead. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing article?" your own bird, so if you wish--" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had know all about it," he snarled. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take cause to be." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just