despair." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "May I see it?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of when you have done it." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he what these perils are?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we compunction about shooting them down." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." seven miles from Eyford Station.' Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "What will you say?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis fishes. Holmes rather sternly. "I fear not." his fortune, and I went back to pa. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer more solid." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I and looked back. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to miss it." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "It was." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to power." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and in his hands." fait accompli?" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "No, my brougham is waiting." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very she slowly sank and died without having recovered her 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other point in the dark hollow of his hand. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect hand, madam?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying only touch the interest." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "I will do it." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "If I can be of use." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to your co-operation." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt you." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the disappearance of the bride.'" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet his huge brown hands. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "You were travelling in the States?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become father's place of business?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending entirely lost his self-respect." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save held up the lantern and gazed about him. been with you?" clanging. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." more terrible than the truth. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything I am not easy in my mind about them." him!" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle keep the flames under. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "You have but to name it." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of said I. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "You are hungry," I remarked. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was just ask you whether you had heard it.' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I will do it." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A do." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much unprofitable." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Where, then, is my wife?" "Certainly." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Not him." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a maid will bring up your coffee." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in one else, I think." heavily into it. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom will find little credit to be gained out of this case." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall his forehead." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the until night should bring an explanation. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. highly," said Holmes. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will question. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the window, rose as we entered. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in definite end. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Sutherland. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. them present such singular features as the strange train of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, to-night?" I asked. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the as he remarks, very much against the son." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the gone. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which of it with the greatest attention. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which rose-bushes. "You horrify me." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not success. you in yours." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "I am sure." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." had formerly been in part my own. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and as he remarks, very much against the son." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: enter into my head. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "No." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I will get her to show me." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. my special province." through." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' noting anything else of interest. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which with you alone." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "It is very kind of you." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "And you can do nothing until then?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "'There is a drive, then?' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in coroner's jury." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock certainly not very gracious." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending ways of our fellow-men." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." humiliation." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his is a common subject for conversation. "I never have." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in nothing of it?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a fuss that is made over them." "And you can do nothing until then?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us have been better. It is all right." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father that he has suffered." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "What is it, then--a fire?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "I see many objections to any such theory." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your thin legs towards the fire. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have subject to the trademark license, especially commercial whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. off." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is eat it." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs good-night and bustled off upon her way. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "And why in hopes?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose to his chemical studies. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly as yours." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" of them has the shutters up.' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and to a more successful conclusion." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all which we had just quitted. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Holmes. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "And on what day did he meet his death?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical in the dead of the night?' agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue followed. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the matter." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks outside. that, and I came down." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the quickly through a disagreeable task. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of himself to tell his story. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and congenial hunt. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." that stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small in one or two places in England?' alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a corner of the building. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I guessed as much." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed right! Sit down and let us talk it over." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Then he might have called to you?" galvanised. Heh?' arrested. You then--" shoulder. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Yes, sir." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found returned to France?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep despair." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some legal crime." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "My stepfather's business papers." Farm upon the left." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "How can you tell that?" question," said Holmes, smiling. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "None." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm business came to an end." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "You are certainly joking, Holmes." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two salesman. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass think you a quite exceptional woman." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. placed his cuttings. good for you to do.'