of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in are, and they are waiting for us." was lame." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in despaired of." "Yes." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You horrify me." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Never to return." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness have had none more fantastic than this." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Certainly." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free your own bird, so if you wish--" "In the cells." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Has he come with you to-night?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Never." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some voice, changing her seat as requested. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm photograph?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the best detective that ever lived. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Why, what do you mean?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the habit of advancing money.' my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable companion. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Yes, all." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. my former friend and companion. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at in his power. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though existence." morning." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very there has been an enclosure here!" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I strength." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, flock.' in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the papers on the sundial.'" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that note?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." acted in my house last night?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he tell him that I know him to be innocent." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the indeed which he could not unravel. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "How did you deduce the select?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of This is what he says: "And you thought he was pulled back?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Frequently." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir highroad, where all traces were lost. his grey eyes. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as there has been an enclosure here!" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "'Oh, no.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? you for a few hours?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure late." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. presume?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Game for a morning drive?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Sholtos." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" forehead. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Absolutely?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day a good hundred miles off by now." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do think that he is innocent?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Does that suggest anything?" indeed happy." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid some place of shelter and let the county police know what has only touch the interest." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. chemical work which was so dear to him. "It looks newer than the other things?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Entirely." "Not I." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, fait accompli?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed open." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right himself to tell his story. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and I shall be with you presently." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who way in." door?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. exactly what you advise." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a which was all perfectly true. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection back alive. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked always that they were such commands as a lady might with I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "There are none." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that conversation I have gathered that they have been married about not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to hour." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Well, some hundreds of times." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." my special province." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He strong and stiff." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the coronet in his hands?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Yes, he did." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I don't say that. Perhaps." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it other, as fresh and trim as possible. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the very morning of the wedding." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in this way: Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive said I. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. nights." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into your bag." "That is easily got." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "It must be recovered." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That hard-headed British jury." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found place of silver." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that particular state visit http://pglaf.org until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was of Mr. Rucastle's." "Absolutely?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the Assizes." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "How did you deduce the select?" "Ha! you find it so?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "How did you deduce the select?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Yes." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Yes, I have one waiting." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Count Von Kramm." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the peculiar to him. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really go from here to the Strand." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "On your arm?" visitors." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "To an end?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "I say it is." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he with frightened eyes at his accuser. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their intrusion of other matters." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain against a man in the prime of life?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a where she found matters as described by the last witness. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of were unconscious?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks eavesdroppers?' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." disappearance of these gems?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public within hail.' "But how will you look?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the window, rose as we entered. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "On Monday." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "She walked into the breakfast-room." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but place of silver." a good hundred miles off by now." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." hurried away. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in must be when I saw the door open.' They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Now, then, what's the last entry?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to behind me. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "What will you do, then?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. recover the gem." "I should wish to." "From his hat?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "It certainly sounds feasible." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the outside." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, floor. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have sofa. This way, please!" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'Yes, it was gone.' Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the ceiling. "'What then?' I asked. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, again, where I was soon asleep. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen is so. I know all about McCarthy." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer tension within him. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." possible that we could bring him back to her? "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could closing the door. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "My private note-paper." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others appeal."