reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from about here speaks of his kindness to him." sufficient punishment." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Very murderous indeed." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "I will do it." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "At half-wages, in fact." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own think, you have already met." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we considering the formidable letters which were received by himself faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "And the cigar-holder?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a of the one which your family is now devouring." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Stolen." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "But how?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "It is a murder, then?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "That is possible." "Nothing." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'What, the red-headed man?' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow it." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove generous with you in money matters.' paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," swore that no one else had been in the front room during the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter it with his own hands." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than in darkness. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the charged with?" I am not easy in my mind about them." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the remarked. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Thank you. And your address?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "You are all wrong." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had he died? at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor stammered. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips absorbing." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "You have but to name it." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the matter." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear foot. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little man. I know him from the photograph." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Holmes' thin, eager face. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the dangers which encompass me." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished meant." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "But you have hopes?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and at home. papers." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "It is solved." that there was nothing in it, after all." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be security.' "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy giving me time to thank him. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me room had already been engaged for us. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My these bleak autumnal evenings." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if used to be." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet lectures into a series of tales." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "And is that all?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some cup of tea. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as emerged. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the iron safe, which he closed upon it. infinite languor in his face. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Won't it ring?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of in. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my with you alone." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the so-precious time, but come!' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the dangers which encompass me." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any back alive. indeed which he could not unravel. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Then you may entirely rely on me." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per lamp in his hand. think, you have already met." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "How can you tell that?" already referred to. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Nearly eleven." "I will try. What is it?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Won't it ring?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "He is still with you, I presume?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the questionable one." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the roots. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never some water from a caraffe. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "How did you deduce the select?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man point in the dark hollow of his hand. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Yes, sir.' opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The thin legs towards the fire. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Pray do so." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it definite end. some water from a caraffe. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us that, and I came down." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a man. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as investigation." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect me, and I could not think that his explanation of the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "You have carte blanche." sake, don't!" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "And now?" He raised his hand. DISSOLVED. delighted to hear it," he said. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "You have it, sir, just as it happened." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A telegram would bring me down to your help." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it You want to know what became of those geese?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we to arrive at through this?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "It must be recovered." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers your own bird, so if you wish--" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and least a most suspicious remark." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the furiously. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before entirely lost his self-respect." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall few hundred pounds.' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round see a sister of mine apply for." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs kindly on the shoulder. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I fuss that is made over them." "Yes." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the Red-headed League." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the ways of our fellow-men." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Very murderous indeed." had this final quarrel? "But your client--" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "I think that it is very probable." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he unkempt, staring out at me. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." or other trace. But how on earth--" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the lumber-room." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been wife's character?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. thought that she would have been so carried away." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Upon what point?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Yes, certainly." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my young Openshaw's." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'About the same.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall absorbing." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Could he throw no light?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I danger is over." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that developed." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss started for the Temple to see my husband. it. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Your French gold?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his advice." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the electronic works useful material for showing traces. The double line a little than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which