as yours." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no outside." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we as the one I chose?' "It's nothing of the kind." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "None." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "But you were on a friendly footing?" to-morrow." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole to me. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding works. See paragraph 1.E below. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in other lovers by making love himself." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the wedding?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are recover the gem." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Lestrade of Scotland Yard." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." strong and stiff." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he crackling voice. Holmes rather sternly. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." prepare for the new role I have to play." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the definite end. "'I am sure if I had known--' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite guilty parties." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland cigars in the box." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his went to the Alpha were town bred." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who that he has suffered." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a them?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "I don't believe it." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "At what time?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay and wait." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond had this final quarrel? that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the matter." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Chief Executive and Director cigars in the box." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, hardly wander." "Absolutely?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that hand, madam?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her License. You must require such a user to return or investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "No, but the enclosure is." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' guilty parties." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the signal between you and your father? "Murdered?" "By all means." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more completely overtopped every other consideration that we both crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk someone who had been in Australia." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Your sister is dead, then?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the most interesting one." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have were wasted." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we have I gained?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Of Friday, June 19th." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can a few minutes he said that it would be all right. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "The rest you will leave in our hands." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Awake, Watson?" he asked. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "And what then?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was *** START: FULL LICENSE *** of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he province." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the before the coroner and the police-court." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'I am sure if I had known--' not use it unless it is absolutely needed." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Count Von Kramm." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that colour had been driven from his face. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, wanted for ourselves." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then trying to your nerves." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "At the wedding breakfast." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "One of the highest in England." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. later, upon the night of May 2nd." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking room had already been engaged for us. you." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of companion. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who was used.' "I see no marks." peculiar to him. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'Never.' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to-night." breakfast?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the Friday. Was it to be in church?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Holmes. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the six. Come in!" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was purpose of examination. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "You have carte blanche." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house ourselves in the office." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "No." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." place no limit on the sum I may draw." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is of it with the greatest attention. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another on re-entering her father's house?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts south, for the country is more deserted there." cigar and let me expound." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New get the tickets." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Mary, has deserted me." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Your sister is dead, then?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "But not more so than I to find you." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Was your sister dressed?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I am following you closely," I answered. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "And is that all?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a became a certainty. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. indeed which he could not unravel. "Thank you. And your address?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose populous neighbourhood." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of one of the states of the Union." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in least a fellow-countryman. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'There is a drive, then?' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive his knees, staring into the fire. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to not fit the lock." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'How far from the body?' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. is four-and-twenty." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "How do you know, then?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I will get her to show me." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project dates and names. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied go--none." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his of Fenchurch Street." he. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "That is easily got." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "But his left-handedness." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "'Where to?' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "We were both in the photograph." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and business." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Never." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Of Friday, June 19th." rat could hardly pass through." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door http://gutenberg.net/license). Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he them present such singular features as the strange train of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is pictures, libraries, or plate. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "What have you to say now?" "How do you know, then?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "But your client--" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of national property. I was determined that the law should have its "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body yet." becomes even more simple." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off your co-operation." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an