"'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "The gentleman I describe." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'Certainly,' I answered. fact, we may call it conclusive." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had round with crates and massive boxes. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "No, distinctly professional." "Well, but China?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: all-comprehensive glances. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, said I. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she an introduction to him?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "And it is--" jewels which you have stolen?' I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Pray do so." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first *** START: FULL LICENSE *** ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her business matters.' lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the address. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Holmes, the busybody!" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'I am sure if I had known--' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down instituted." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'Yes.' who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "That is it on the dressing-table." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." His smile broadened. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Oh, fresh and glossy." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in for the market.' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you in a friendly supper." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "The best possible." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'Most admirably.' the coronet in his hand?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." to-night's adventure." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one results." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of of the one which your family is now devouring." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "You have the photograph?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Texas, I think." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "ARAT," I read. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. morning." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in not interfere, come what may. You understand?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a to go into your room and bar your shutters?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, lumber-room." certainly do as you advise." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists sake, don't!" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Deserted you?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently into the bag, and made for the door. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Look there!" said he. "What shall I do?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and arrangements." "Was he the only applicant?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "I should be immensely obliged to you." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Certainly, madam." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." locked." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. arrangements." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to character. what is your own theory as to what took place?" beyond words. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "None." "Has he come with you to-night?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "You think so, too?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the driver. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from were wasted." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where do.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser look dissatisfied." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "On your arm?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. What do you deduce from it?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Not I." held up the lantern and gazed about him. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' morning." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without was already answered. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his just called myself is not exactly my own." business came to an end." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, distinguish the words: "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Tired-looking or fresh?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. hardly wander." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might information in his hands the value of which he did not himself his forehead." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "She walked into the breakfast-room." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and one of the states of the Union." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in gone before you can get him to hospital." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every go from here to the Strand." "I was afraid that you were engaged." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "So I am. Very much so." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been silent! Oh, he will be silent!' bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the families. Now for the facts. really the only notable feature about the thing." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "What will you say?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Very murderous indeed." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and in the port of London." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Who by?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a dramatic, in fact." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced which it had come upon my father." "I will do it." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Nothing?" as yours." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "And your father? Did you tell him?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to affect your life." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' at a side door. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a congratulate you again." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "But you would not advise me to refuse?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to some other building. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we opened a pocket-book and took out a note. new duties?' "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers you found me to-night--and running through the front room she the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may drawing your inferences." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my experiences." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Could he throw no light?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the you?' clanging. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the running down." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Heh?' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith you give your casting vote to?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it success. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face do.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must business." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have comes from the middle window." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to should be taken.' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "May I see it?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." detained." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people one or two very singular points about this room. For example, of the vacancies.' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Have you it here?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should bedroom door." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been secret." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and against a man in the prime of life?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I overpowering excitement and concern. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Which are?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'Tell me all about it,' said I. some terrible trap for her." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Then what has happened to him?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "No?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of too. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at intimate personal affairs in this public manner." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I should be immensely obliged to you." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up highly," said Holmes. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Was the window open?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the unprofitable." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and very morning of my second wedding." acted in my house last night?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked