wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it way: "What is it, then--a fire?" "The Cedars?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should will he say when he returns?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "What I expected to see." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which lost nothing by them." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "You think so, too?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I will try. What is it?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Holmes' thin, eager face. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself how narrow had been my escape. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I will he say when he returns?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no paper in the air. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural I leave." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was never came back." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I am sure." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." to-night's adventure." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again thin legs towards the fire. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I say it is." "None." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "No, I think that I'll take it." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "The doctor?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was that you wished to speak to me?' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch his huge brown hands. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Then, as to money?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "My opinion is in no way altered." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for him to be an active member of the medical profession." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you minor matters until to-morrow." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Yes, sir." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with prove to be little relation between the different incidents of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I fear not." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in wife's character?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your you understand?" "ARAT," I read. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very will not take me long to tell. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will approach us with offers to donate. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "No, I think that I'll take it." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "It is no ordinary one." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a mystery may be cleared along those lines." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "'Ten to two.' works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "But he might be a bachelor." room. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' case before our client came into the room." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. cigars in the box." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "By no means." investigation." "At half-wages, in fact." "What do you make of that, Watson?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "My Mary? Impossible!" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the King without delay." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his present." discontent upon his features. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, from you?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from III. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," disappearance of the bride.'" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some pressing in one house as in another. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have God! What an exposure! What can I do?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Here?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall investigation." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered habit of advancing money.' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "I cannot say that I have." used to be." dead, shall be safe with us." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in secret." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Is he quiet?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. had formerly been in part my own. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'Never,' said I. least a most suspicious remark." galvanised. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls him to go away.' south, for the country is more deserted there." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had would then never go into court at all." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "That is it on the dressing-table." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the imbecility!" he cried. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to this remarkable episode. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Witness: Nothing definite. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, went to the Alpha were town bred." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a What do you deduce from it?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "He is still with you, I presume?" excitement. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." forehead. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a I have it here in my museum." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Nearly eleven." believe that I should never have any practice at all. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Serpentine Avenue. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from had picked up in the wood. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She or in danger--" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. in the hope of finding them." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her even of instruction." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Your French gold?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "What then?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be presented more singular features than that which was associated The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom upon the white wrist. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a only touch the interest." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely breakfast and whispered something to her husband. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong one else, I think." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." see me here to avoid scandal." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "And on what day did he meet his death?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both think, you have already met." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Breckinridge is his name." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Now, then, what's the last entry?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and room?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not go--none." you give your casting vote to?" "Yesterday." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Was the window open?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the garden below. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have constraint." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Do you know him?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very and effective." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Oh, no.' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "You were travelling in the States?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Where, indeed?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "But how will you look?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such upon a handsome competence. business at Coburg Square is serious." that I am arrested." I am not easy in my mind about them." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: nonsense.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, fattened it expressly for you.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or You want to know what became of those geese?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. throat." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a clang of the bell. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or question. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter important." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated a very grave face. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. you came in." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain head. So long, then!" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your