violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case have been better. It is all right." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the invisible to me," I remarked. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Could he throw no light?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." not as remarkable as your advertisement." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves prison!" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce we went to search for him, face downward in a little "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said morning." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly occupations.' "It certainly sounds feasible." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Well, but China?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each other lovers by making love himself." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "To an end?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single your co-operation." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "There is the writing." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property when your master had gone out." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the devil!" have been better. It is all right." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some God! What an exposure! What can I do?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "What is it, then--a fire?" and the colonel ushered me in. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have your sleep?' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'Never,' said I. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Was there a secret marriage?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Where, then, is my wife?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger likely to be some crony of the landlady's." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem have not had my rubber." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend that you wished to speak to me?' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of that I can to serve you." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "He slept on the premises." "You have a clue?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. directors, with the result that you have seen." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "In which, sir?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found absorbing." business." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "I shall most certainly do so." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across village inn over there?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." that I can to serve you." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable me upon any point which I do not make clear." "But he might be a bachelor." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "May I see it?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began that the gas is not laid on in his house?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Quite so." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." business in the City. She little knew what. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'I shall certainly be there.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Chief Executive and Director "She told me to ask you." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Oh, fresh and glossy." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As dates and names. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; chance at all." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. putting in the horse. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with article?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "In heaven's name, what for?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it system of imprisonment?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "You have carte blanche." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily one of them." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Stoke Moran?" said he. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And how?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to to Leatherhead. "My opinion is in no way altered." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "And how did you verify them?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old must compliment you." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Her father is very rich?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Gutenberg-tm License. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chamber." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'As governess?' "Well." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the inner apartment." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. your equipment. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "You have it, sir, just as it happened." an introduction to him?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Yes." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "But she could not love him." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "This concluded the examination of the witness." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of I have it here in my museum." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss charged with?" "'I am sure if I had known--' seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'As governess?' Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster relation between them, and what the object of his repeated his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle copied or distributed: reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Nothing." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Seven!" I answered. know what is wrong with it.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm roused himself from his reverie. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass has little to do with my story." keep the flames under. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Never." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," friends, not even his own brother. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." read over the extraordinary announcement. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: from you?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident electronic works "And how did he make his money?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the to Leatherhead. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There bill, which interests me deeply." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. power." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite such person." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned tension within him. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a you." chill to my heart. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, one else, I think." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' in the hope of finding them." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I think it very unlikely." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Why? What do you mean?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting third from London." think you a quite exceptional woman." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across correct than the official force." entirely lost his self-respect." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in would apply.' so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small writing, and yet I know it well." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Was your sister dressed?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. companion. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "That is possible." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "No." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now your troubles." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Well?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His success. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be I held the little printed slip to the light. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that as yours." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "What! Had he lost his wife?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? telegram would bring me down to your help." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "But not more so than I to find you." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." must compliment you." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, to you." "I have a cab outside." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; For additional contact information: fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the said he. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Yes, the wine-cellar." seven miles from Eyford Station.' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had be sorry for having acted so harshly." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "What are they?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, for the market.' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful back alive. had a long day." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office once more for Briony Lodge. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. keep the flames under. seem to you to be relevant or not." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police,