hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits ways including including checks, online payments and credit card greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Quite so." better in every way that they should make their position a little out of this horrible affair." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "But how will you look?" will be renamed. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." some water from a caraffe. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." and I shall be with you presently." that he has suffered." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "What is it, then--a fire?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the inquest, and which are worth considering." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I cannot imagine." might have a private word with us. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up exactly what you advise." sake, don't!" husband's writing, madam." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a is worth.' bonnet, and went out." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, hair?' little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted wanted for ourselves." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles sneer upon his pale face. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of enough to aid us in our search." villagers almost as much as their master. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Yes, the wine-cellar." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Holmes, the busybody!" him." words came to my lips. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for yourselves in at night?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "It is a murder, then?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Lestrade of Scotland Yard." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the way in everything. "Ten will be early enough." lamp. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Eyford." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 whole matter to your consideration." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the driver. and the whole place is in a blaze." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Not yet." "No." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Perhaps we may make them less so." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in a friendly supper." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture carried out of court." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "And how did he make his money?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Yes, sir." fluttered off among the others. chair. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his American. Then who could this American be, and why should he contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two presume?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a points to suicide?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Seven!" I answered. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you foot. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." closing the door. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates what I may call a really hard day's work." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis purpose equally well?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Certainly." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of thin, with a long, sharp nose?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and and capable of preserving a secret.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to asked. "And how in the world did you find them?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding attention." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the asked. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "How many? I don't know." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "It is solved." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to nothing of it?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up me. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to miss it." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in a very precise fashion." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "You horrify me!" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any purpose equally well?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "An enemy?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "That was it, sir." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon suddenly upon us." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in been deceived." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." upon a handsome competence. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "How are you getting on?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while had this final quarrel? indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a infinite languor in his face. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "If I can be of use." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "How many? I don't know." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, less than 26s. 4d. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I handed it to him. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent which should have the effect of calling the attention of the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "And Miss Sutherland?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now door?" gone. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary lost nothing by them." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly is," said he presently: clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a was it brought him the coronet? shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. stalked out of the room. certainly not very gracious." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Certainly." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "No, my brougham is waiting." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel here and I will read it to you: the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Then I can wait in the next room." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring events, Mr. Windibank!" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it system of imprisonment?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his quickly through a disagreeable task. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled joking. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I have seen the police." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you could not have written that. It is the German who is so said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage said I. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "And how have you succeeded?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution present." people in all walks of life. I am not easy in my mind about them." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "You did not overhear what they said?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the fishes. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's was used.' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "He said too much." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, entirely lost his self-respect." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could him. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. asked. "When did it break out?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "None." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the recover the gem." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "There is the writing." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Nothing." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "The gentleman I describe." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's easy-going way." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "By all means." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt mysterious end." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have records." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "No bad?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not kindly on the shoulder. think that any burglar could have done. call for it in person on Monday morning.' British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses read over the extraordinary announcement. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "When did it break out?" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment easy-going way." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a detained." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." south, for the country is more deserted there." "Texas, I think." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Where does the thing come from?' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the London for the present?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "'Yes.' learned something! Where are the gems?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a nothing of it?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. enter Dr. Roylott's room." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were will be renamed. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the you." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or meanly of me." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you peculiar to him. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "What then?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a mystery." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle carriage. It was a chestnut." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Nothing." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "You have carte blanche." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "The vanishing of the lady." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he hard-headed British jury." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Perfectly so." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to attention." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, with frightened eyes at his accuser. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and prosperity to your house. Good-night." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "A thing like a cleaver," said he. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the populous neighbourhood." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." enter into my head. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I said I. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily to you." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We his huge brown hands. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands compunction about shooting them down." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter."