appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into forebodings. see me here to avoid scandal." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Yes." depend upon your compliance." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "The Cedars?" "You are hungry," I remarked. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending kindly on the shoulder. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." enter into my head. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you papers diligently of late, have you not?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "To ruin me." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Very much so." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire bare slabs of marble. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Do you go out much in society?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and yourselves in at night?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully troubles have been weighing upon his mind. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' man. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it asked. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "And the murderer?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I am armed." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. seen the man in the road." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you any little problem which you may submit to me." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, back to my heart. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Quite so. She has her freedom." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have chamber." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'In my own bureau.' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I ready to-morrow?' "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "The murder was done with it." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped do you make of it all?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. status with the IRS. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no mystery." through." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking completely overtopped every other consideration that we both in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "How do you know, then?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I will, Miss Turner." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his arrangements." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Miss Holder?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his pressing in one house as in another. me have 200 pounds?' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. felt?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study to talk it over. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Oh, yes, easily." to Leatherhead. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. horse could go." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider good-night and bustled off upon her way. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "In San Francisco, a year ago." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But you came in." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people taking in every detail of the apartment. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Why serious?" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I was afraid that you were engaged." unkempt, staring out at me. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "No, I had a dozen." one which it was hard to resist. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an papers." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger wedding?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'Most admirably.' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, where she found matters as described by the last witness. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped to you." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single generous with you in money matters.' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "I have solved it." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "And what did you see?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the very morning of the wedding." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of cigars in the box." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were suddenly upon us." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by interest. They are important, you understand, without being met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "So it appears." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, quick march!" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "And you thought he was pulled back?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. salesman. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the there is a decided draught." "He is still with you, I presume?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "How did you trace it, then?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "'Certainly not. But why?' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. For additional contact information: "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I am following you closely," I answered. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I will not look." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" photograph a cabinet?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was to have that photograph." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Of what day?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I will get her to show me." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and have this put in the evening papers." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be man. I know him from the photograph." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Surrey." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be never will be, entirely cleared up. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to see me here to avoid scandal." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out developed." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." any." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right fasten all the windows?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." you." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to congratulate you again." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Nothing." What do you deduce from it?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I warn you that they are very incomplete." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt noise which awoke you from your sleep?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." as yours." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I danger is over." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'In my own bureau.' answer." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Will you go?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and his knees, staring into the fire. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could was a loud and authoritative tap. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Countess of Morcar's?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the bird I ate is country bred." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Dr. Gregory B. Newby Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is success. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your round with crates and massive boxes. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who his cane at the bell-pull. me where it went to?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "It missed him, then?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Yes, only one." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." papers must be those that are destroyed.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and looked back. go back?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "How can you tell that?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Here?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the matter?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day business." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a your troubles." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, eavesdroppers?' hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the room had already been engaged for us. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'And the work?' conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! is a common subject for conversation. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I was sure that I might rely on you."