upon the sideboard." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Pray do so." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid this as likely?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, shoulder; "he's all right." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, village inn over there?" gone. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Yes, sir." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Then you may entirely rely on me." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." not as remarkable as your advertisement." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you papers diligently of late, have you not?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault gentleman's clothes. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "And now?" I asked. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Why? What do you mean?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major back into the street. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "When did she vanish, then?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "The doctor?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. felt?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "There are none." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do into her hand at the door and which lured her within their but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than skylight. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching fishes. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate likely to be some crony of the landlady's." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to remarked. next day. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found your only hope of safety." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were daring than any effort of the imagination." "Precisely." father's young wife. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography third from London." "Here?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "None." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Not in a good cause." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He yards of it?' half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the I shall communicate with you." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Not yet." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I will do it." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. in one or two places in England?' "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would observed. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the friend's singular character. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and rose-bushes. you." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "You'll never persuade me to believe that." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "What will you do, then?" "But what will you do?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it once more on the important position which you have been fortunate some city in a dream. it right.' "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I if I call to-morrow?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "It certainly sounds feasible." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no this man was intellectual?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were telegram would bring me down to your help." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I have hopes." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, looking up at the numbers of the houses." done what I asked you, Jones?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "One of the highest in England." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as has little to do with my story." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor you do it in twenty minutes!' inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door electronic works the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Mary, has deserted me." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'Not at all. I only doubt--' will be renamed. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having bill, which interests me deeply." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Of what?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "None." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough been lifted and conveyed somewhere." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "But you would not advise me to refuse?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "And the murderer?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Lestrade of Scotland Yard." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "'Certainly,' I answered. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "I am sure." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I will not look." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its again." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his we went to search for him, face downward in a little The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "What then?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Witness: It was. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Witness: It was. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little His name is Francis Prosper." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Yes." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Not I." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And how in the world did you find them?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the there in twenty minutes." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Holmes' thin, eager face. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as quite distinctive." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 what is your own theory as to what took place?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the works. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "And now?" I asked. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one of a light. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to how narrow had been my escape. "Yes." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the forbidden door. questionable one." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'I shall certainly be there.' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull some water from a caraffe. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is into the room. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "The landlord of the Alpha." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs in his hands." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the window, rose as we entered. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic with the outside air!" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Holmes' thin, eager face. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is question. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. any more." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not place no limit on the sum I may draw." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Will you go?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both in your London, you will know that the office of the company is came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to think that he is innocent?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Your presence might be invaluable." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood danger is over." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to round with crates and massive boxes. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' time." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he placed his cuttings. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and narrative." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for closing the door. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward address. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the coronet in his hand?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my http://www.gutenberg.net feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the until night should bring an explanation. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I again, where I was soon asleep. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was light and attacked it."