"What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "On Monday." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards appointment with me for six o'clock?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from to-night?" I asked. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might money should be paid at once.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have next day. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey outside." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news and effective." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from danger is over." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to out." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Ten will be early enough." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Yes." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in families. Now for the facts. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "No good news?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "But she could not love him." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "It may not come to that," said Holmes. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, so.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "He slept on the premises." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and vanished into the darkness. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg distinguish the words: room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me furiously. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Nothing." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled been." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you infinite languor in his face. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer which are rolled in Rotterdam." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind gentleman's clothes. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She allusion to a rat. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the reach." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the station." already been minutely examined." both be extremely obliged.' without a word or a look. "And from a noble client?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to if only as a check to my own memory." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "I cannot tell." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of was keenly on my guard against him. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your *** START: FULL LICENSE *** With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when once more for Briony Lodge. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he God! What an exposure! What can I do?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "No, I had a dozen." fattened it expressly for you.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. girl said." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and glanced through. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his companion quietly. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, as this. Pray let me have the details." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put taking in every detail of the apartment. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next never to learn it at all." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Heh?' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Entirely." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of DISSOLVED. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it read it out to me." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at a good hundred miles off by now." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "It is solved." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "What shall I do?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet tapping his fingers upon the table. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Come in!" said he. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned voice, changing her seat as requested. of receipt of the work. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I would pay ten." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your away in different directions, and I went off to make my own to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project out of this horrible affair." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "You saw the ventilator, too?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no him. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently woman." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I crackling voice. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so to talk it over. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'Yes, sir.' at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, trying to your nerves." "Look there!" said he. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little cigars in their mouths. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "No, but the enclosure is." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the into the room. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek once more on the important position which you have been fortunate called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover on re-entering her father's house?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. like gravel from a pit.' wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take away in different directions, and I went off to make my own waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and put his glass in his pocket. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Then he might have called to you?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had indeed happy." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Mary, has deserted me." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the of it with the greatest attention. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "He said that you could solve anything." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an closing the door. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a it. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Whose house is it?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "You have a clue?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "I am about to be married." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "How often?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Witness: Nothing definite. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. help us in this matter." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is and prosperity to your house. Good-night." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we started for the Temple to see my husband. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive again." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the seem to you to be relevant or not." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may just ask you whether you had heard it.' "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "By no means." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its kind enough to tell me what I should do." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the armchair which I pushed forward for him. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down brain must have something in it." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. amused." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Yes, there are nearly always some there." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "My dear Holmes!" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" that I can to serve you." bird I ate is country bred." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found see a sister of mine apply for." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Why serious?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "To the police?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some rose-bushes. as yours." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One question," said Holmes, smiling. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to him nearly every evening." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and looking up at the numbers of the houses." "It is a murder, then?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "What steps will you take?" I asked. 'please.'" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, that?' was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I held the little printed slip to the light. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "'And the work?' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in least a most suspicious remark." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and fattened it expressly for you.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with writing, and yet I know it well." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Stolen!' he cried. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Imitated." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her 1.F. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" purpose of examination. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "But his left-handedness." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand are, I think, all that we need." outsides of the windows. "He is still with you, I presume?" "Yes." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do it. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay have been better. It is all right." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you these bleak autumnal evenings." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face developed." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do second window is the one that I jumped from." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the outbreak?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "You will not go there first?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "What then?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend whether it answered to the description of any of their leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This than to us. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror I shall communicate with you." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct.