livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove already referred to. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father that he will be back before evening." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these everything which you would wish to know." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Then what has happened to him?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "It is a murder, then?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "My opinion is in no way altered." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous will be renamed. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours next day. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. over part of the map. "What do you read?" me where it went to?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black fasten all the windows?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That gentleman's clothes. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" know what is wrong with it.' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can it." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the will be renamed. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very constraint." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "At what time?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like sound at heart." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied fattened it expressly for you.' bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and you." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the sofa. This way, please!" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Precisely." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" into the room. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me down in his armchair and closing his eyes. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which strength." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord detective. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'Yes, sir.' "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "If so, much may have happened between." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the important." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, forebodings. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." business came to an end." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for you in your example." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the very morning of the wedding." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Do you go out much in society?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either and prosperity to your house. Good-night." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after rooms." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and a shock of very red hair. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Then you may entirely rely on me." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I cannot tell." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to his cane at the bell-pull. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be more solid." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is foresight and the moral retrogression?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Then I am your man." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such himself. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. gone before you can get him to hospital." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Then, as to money?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Literary Archive Foundation One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have in his hands." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the attention." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. with frightened eyes at his accuser. on re-entering her father's house?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are seem to you to be relevant or not." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. companion. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the developed." over here." crackling voice. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." young Openshaw's." "I cannot say that I have." "Not in a good cause." "The knees of his trousers." "No?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow could not have written that. It is the German who is so "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called take the flies, but not before." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that purpose of examination. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Then I shall certainly come." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no look upon these things in a different way." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst and no precautions can guard against." digesting their breakfasts at home." with you?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange the dangers which encompass me." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you that you wished to speak to me?' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "This concluded the examination of the witness." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior companion quietly. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "I am following you closely," I answered. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and drove away. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at over with notes and figures. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "And why?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable appeared upon the scene." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." newspaper selections." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an would then never go into court at all." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "He is dead," cried several voices. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love knowledge of the world." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress without a word or a look. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you bedroom door." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a I took the paper from him and read as follows: Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle in darkness. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), notes," he said. McCarthy's innocence. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a you?' charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. he. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "You have carte blanche." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it in the dead of the night?' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded in the hope of finding them." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked strength of mind to control. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you matter over." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one annoyance, but no jest. once more to my work. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Always." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. or in danger--" "To an English lawyer named Norton." address. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or some terrible trap for her." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody strength in the others." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over success. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, in his power. was it brought him the coronet? and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt of campaign. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry certainly do as you advise." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself persecution?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "That sounds a little paradoxical." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on John Swain, of St. Augustine. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address entirely lost his self-respect." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy one's self under obligations.' job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought to-night?" I asked. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the wanted for ourselves." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Again Holmes raved in the air. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to other, as fresh and trim as possible. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Count Von Kramm." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. other means.' "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. fees. 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