earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Pope's Court. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the his knees, staring into the fire. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, forecastle of an emigrant ship. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "What steps will you take?" I asked. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you all?" "Yes." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite joking. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it him!" the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible very old mansion. row." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it row." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. London for the present?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a where she found matters as described by the last witness. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "You are hungry," I remarked. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' interested in these little problems, and since you are good crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your like that before?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I was sure that I might rely on you." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall him and tried to hold him back. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of know all about it," he snarled. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to bed dies. Does not that strike you?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set been able to understand it, in a very few words. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or wanted for ourselves." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a south, for the country is more deserted there." "And is that all?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this my secret was safe in his possession. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has few hundred pounds.' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left long narrative. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and stepfather?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Eyford." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door points in connection with it which never have been, and probably said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made not interfere, come what may. You understand?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The of them has the shutters up.' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "He might." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I cannot say that I have." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon stammered. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very of them has the shutters up.' "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is British peeress.'" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress enter Dr. Roylott's room." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that a little more before I quite committed myself. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is delighted to hear it," he said. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "The doctor?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "And sit in the dark?" excitement. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "In San Francisco, a year ago." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl carriage. It was a chestnut." compunction about shooting them down." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient straighten it?" is worth.' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. tell me that you intended to go into harness." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "I should like to see him very much." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch gone. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. public press." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your when you have done it." "Why did you pick him?" are, and they are waiting for us." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down to go into your room and bar your shutters?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I train.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always train.' more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. make me his representative both with the servants and with the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after along the entire front of the house, with three long windows impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the o'clock is it?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "No, I am descending." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an province." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building sentimental considerations in the background which would induce The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "And why?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive him." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the do." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I was mad--insane." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the that I am arrested." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the ready to-morrow?' conceal it?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my had died away into the silence from which it rose. papers." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," your bag." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" lost his Christmas dinner." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his morning." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Munro.' "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, neither fascinating nor artistic." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the so.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was salesman. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, coroner's jury." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "May I see it?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into man. I know him from the photograph." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in him." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again important." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did interests were the same as his." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the bed, and you in that chair." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray six. Come in!" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. weapon." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and the whole place is in a blaze." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there against a man in the prime of life?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'No, I know no one in these parts.' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations how narrow had been my escape. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Absolutely?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "And I say east," said my patient. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing begun to whiten, even as mine has." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, sneer upon his pale face. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" it right.' And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? works. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the coronet in his hand?" train.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "It is possible." just ask you whether you had heard it.' among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable purpose equally well?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Yes, he did." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'Certainly not. But why?' "'And what are they worth?' I asked. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Come in!" said Holmes. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Holmes rather sternly. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Nearly eleven." golden eyeglasses. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the politicians who had been sent down from the North. of the vacancies.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was electronic works his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "And on what day did he meet his death?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "By all means." "What?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that next day. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, people don't know." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Did he not advertise?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." next day. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "We were both in the photograph." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'What then?' I asked. garden below. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" constraint." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Where does the thing come from?' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner man. as yours." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'What do you call purely nominal?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "But he might be a bachelor." allusion to a rat. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so my former friend and companion. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Chief Executive and Director "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to morning." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Stolen." "'I shall certainly be there.' black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, putting in the horse. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local believe that I should never have any practice at all.