works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "10th. John Swain cleared. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged jewels which you have stolen?' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock money should be paid at once.' permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Cross for the Continent." thirty. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just it." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for From what you have told me I think that it is possible that dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its narrative." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. fact, we may call it conclusive." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if along the entire front of the house, with three long windows combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' pictures, libraries, or plate. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting in this way: myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "What then?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Yes, the wine-cellar." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'Yes, sir.' that you saw all that I did." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. there has been an enclosure here!" "Oh, fresh and glossy." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But hour." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged intimate personal affairs in this public manner." bearing upon the case." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my enough to aid us in our search." look upon these things in a different way." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was tied." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are was the fact that his father should, according to his account, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "And did you observe any change in her then?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler invisible to me," I remarked. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be more terrible than the truth. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Only as much as we can deduce." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Did you observe the colour?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." was feeling which was the fattest.' records." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more late!' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "My own seal." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a better grown goose." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the the best of training." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Well." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Again Holmes raved in the air. away to you." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Yes?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the used to be." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the she used." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "None." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert and glanced through. which are rolled in Rotterdam." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "That you are never beaten." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to in this way: cigars in their mouths. during which he might have communicated with his friend the weighed down with some great anxiety. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'And what salary do you ask?' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So to-night?" I asked. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "You have compromised yourself seriously." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered that the gas is not laid on in his house?" followed. you do it in twenty minutes!' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Two days later this same performance was gone through under look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client copied or distributed: travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his drove away. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Stolen, then." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual himself. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to in him." noting anything else of interest. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this cigars in their mouths. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "You are certainly joking, Holmes." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but upon the white wrist. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was IS the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind you found me to-night--and running through the front room she their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper and I shall be with you presently." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds charged with?" whole matter to your consideration." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "And help." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us may have an influence upon European history." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue just called myself is not exactly my own." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the driver. joking. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, was it brought him the coronet? tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'Where to?' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I and a shock of very red hair. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the and looked back. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself it." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without wedding?" woven round him. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself joking. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are so.' charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the that he has suffered." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who flock.' Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Here?" on re-entering her father's house?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I should be immensely obliged to you." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Yes, all." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I seven miles from Eyford Station.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable could not have written that. It is the German who is so defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can it? Did I buy the geese off you?" voice, changing her seat as requested. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed cheerful." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." were unconscious?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "It is half-past ten now." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Then how many are there?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the from the brougham. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "How on earth--" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who companion. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'There is a drive, then?' "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard away in different directions, and I went off to make my own unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow you give your casting vote to?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked acted in my house last night?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Literary Archive Foundation narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally most interesting one." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Yes." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon had this final quarrel? night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "I saw her in conversation with her maid." with you?" of this gang." to arrive at through this?" writer." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised ashen face. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair are, and they are waiting for us." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "But what is it you wish?" with you?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "And Irene Adler?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece experiences." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of said he. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the is now desirous of getting those letters back." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it photograph?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old had died away into the silence from which it rose. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Yes." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and London for the present?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were whereabouts. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, them present such singular features as the strange train of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence again." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there redistribution. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and