Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened His name is Francis Prosper." disappearance of these gems?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And who is her maid?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea as yours." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. woven round him. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Where, indeed?" have had none more fantastic than this." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Here?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his him to go away.' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "From his hat?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Does that suggest anything?" have an American origin." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the little opening for the ventilator is." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he conclusions. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Then he might have called to you?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking these bleak autumnal evenings." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies foot. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Ample." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where which should have the effect of calling the attention of the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "None. Neville wrote those words." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I down. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to again before evening." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the memory. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco see a sister of mine apply for." the tragedy. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and business." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'As governess?' dramatic, in fact." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "None. Neville wrote those words." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was voice. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the his face which made him a very different person to the round, approach us with offers to donate. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not The police have openly confessed that they can at present make where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, eavesdroppers?' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Perhaps I have." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking are windows in it, of course?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his been able to understand it, in a very few words. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you II. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "No?" "Well." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be frequently gained my first real insight into the character of indiscretion." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" case before our client came into the room." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the upon the shelf for the interim." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double and files of the old papers, following the future career of every through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the bottom.' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls and I shall be with you presently." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Do you know him?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a of fine shops and stately business premises that they really without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his cup of tea. be best to do. national property. I was determined that the law should have its remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; think that any burglar could have done. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Only as much as we can deduce." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of about. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting bearing upon the case." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "And from a noble client?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Where to?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'A dozen yards or so.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of becomes even more simple." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE round and wave him away like that.' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the forbidden door. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Then, as to money?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "But how did you gain them?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "What! You do not mean bodies?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Stoke Moran?" said he. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Dark enough and sinister enough." she might be summoned. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united papers." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official bird of prey. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "My photograph." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR said I. lost his Christmas dinner." done what I asked you, Jones?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Perfectly so." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began remarked. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and her also." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Frequently." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she know that the truth is known." this as likely?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Who was the criminal, then?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it exactly what you advise." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "And when will you call?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and recall any case within my experience which looked at the first ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Of what?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I all that?" works. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice answered with a sidelong glance. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in presented more singular features than that which was associated dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'What do you call purely nominal?' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might completely overtopped every other consideration that we both eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "My dear Holmes!" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what from the brougham. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the gives a meaning to it." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Arthur Conan Doyle "About a month then." and no precautions can guard against." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive followed. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of waste of energy." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Yes, sir." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you awaited us upon the table. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. and effective." hardly wander." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Very truly yours, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as becomes even more simple." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and inquire as to the address." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "And why?" "Then what has happened to him?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you notes," he said. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. dates and names. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master burst into a hearty fit of laughter. politicians who had been sent down from the North. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and place no limit on the sum I may draw." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "But of what society?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is made him keep the appointment." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading cigars in the box." "It was." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "In heaven's name, what for?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Why serious?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, voice, changing her seat as requested. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this introspective fashion. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Where did you address your letters, then?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just test if we have an answer to our advertisement." you." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, for securing the situation." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. me. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good cup of tea. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "'Quite sure, dad.' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "It is no ordinary one." ceremony." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'You cannot say what it was?' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "It was." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was my special province." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a of the vacancies.' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which again before evening." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a thought that she would have been so carried away." page at http://pglaf.org Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the writing, and yet I know it well." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but bearing upon the case." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I was mad--insane." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of fear." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing this remarkable episode. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the