the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Oh, yes, easily." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I don't say that. Perhaps." Sholtos." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: hardly wander." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into man. "'Is purely nominal.' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure for securing the situation." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit You want to know what became of those geese?" hardly wander." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'Certainly not. But why?' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the warnings." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect seen the man in the road." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all asked. flock.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at within hail.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little was it brought him the coronet? "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly ran thus: away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were o'clock is it?" "Not I." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, stepfather?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "My dear Holmes!" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Do you go out much in society?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm possible that we could bring him back to her? and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Why did you pick him?" British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading feature." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the side-table." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and laid it on the table. "My last client of the sort was a king." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the so far?" yet." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. an introduction to him?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "The Coroner: What do you mean? me what he had done with the three missing stones. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is http://www.gutenberg.net the ceiling. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I II. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "My private note-paper." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight more solid." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Miss Holder?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began to change my dress. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It was." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Ha! you find it so?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Have you it here?" me. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you tied." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive held up the lantern and gazed about him. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And will be renamed. your own bird, so if you wish--" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. that threaten you." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I will get her to show me." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the matter." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Come in!" said Holmes. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the flock.' felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They them?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands electronic works astonishment. are, I think, all that we need." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, tapping his fingers upon the table. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "No bad?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Arthur Conan Doyle Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' weighed down with some great anxiety. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double investigation." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I think it very unlikely." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Absolutely none." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "But she could not love him." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and put his glass in his pocket. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in corner of the building. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with that again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered washing it down with a long draught of water. door?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "'Yes.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," you give your casting vote to?" he died? It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "But I have heard all that you have heard." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. generous with you in money matters.' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "In the cells." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in easy-going way." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here used to be." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the best of training." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' him!" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "What! a murderous attack?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest I leave." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method chamber." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at one or two very singular points about this room. For example, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow at my own good fortune. "It is solved." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to straighten it?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "How about poison?" thirty. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the child." man. into the room. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which carriage. It was a chestnut." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Street. "Not yet." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "'Quite sure, dad.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Nearly eleven." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' business?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "My photograph." knowledge of the world." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Yes." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Quite so." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush gbnewby@pglaf.org without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the secret." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your in this note: "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Eyford at 11:15.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his awaited us upon the table. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster reach." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as in your London, you will know that the office of the company is lost nothing by them." both be extremely obliged.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly me where it went to?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Very murderous indeed." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "A greater distance to travel." mystery." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, think you a quite exceptional woman." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered crackling voice. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "And what did you learn from him?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." murdered man." chamber." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his our word." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan way in." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on fluttered off among the others. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, examine." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Yes, he did." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will maiden herself was most instructive." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' pierced for earrings?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the get her out of the way." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was