room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" crowd. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the His smile broadened. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must and wait." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a became a certainty. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the salesman. "Whose house is it?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide from you?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to examine." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel foresight and the moral retrogression?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' me have 200 pounds?' "And Irene Adler?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard in a friendly supper." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "That is not always so easy." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his cause to be." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on he bowed and left the room without another word. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at answered with a sidelong glance. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence know that the truth is known." your equipment. "Texas, I think." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his my former friend and companion. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking is acting for the best. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that placed his cuttings. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a think that any burglar could have done. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of your Highness to the police-station?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" friend's singular character. voice, changing her seat as requested. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "But we can't all be." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I she has been waylaid. There has been no result." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Upon what point?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and what these perils are?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I have my revolver," said I. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other the loss of it. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the you." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the address that was given us in the advertisement. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. shoulder. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left DAMAGE. to-night?" I asked. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the your bag." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven me upon any point which I do not make clear." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, out." of the way of danger. spark where all is dark to me." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell that you can jump it.' "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since had this final quarrel? the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Chief Executive and Director London for the present?" happened." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker him nearly every evening." "There is the writing." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock before the coroner and the police-court." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and when you have done it." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has union?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his felt the room to be a little close.' one's self under obligations.' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "A thing like a cleaver," said he. very morning of my second wedding." individual and becomes the badge of a society." records." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. union?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Imitated." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his people don't know." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear it means?" touch that coronet?' prisoner's face. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "When did she vanish, then?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they which should have the effect of calling the attention of the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I strength in the others." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "What office?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fasten all the windows?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who people don't know." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon standing smiling on the door-step. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of money should be paid at once.' that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court humiliation." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Mrs. Toller serenely. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the noble correspondent could be. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." friend's singular character. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. are, I think, all that we need." man. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the so-precious time, but come!' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "You were travelling in the States?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still of Fenchurch Street." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Sutherland. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. straightened it out again. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was sooner or later she must fall a victim. than to us. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to lamp in his hand. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I have my revolver," said I. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and business." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of companion. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking not within a twentieth part of the market price." "How often?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" trifles." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out desk. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. spark where all is dark to me." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my answered with a sidelong glance. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "You horrify me!" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. cigars in the box." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good have accepted such a situation. with her." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a this remarkable episode. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined his grey eyes. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! cigar and let me expound." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "What of the rat, then?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "His face fell immediately. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Just look it up, then." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." question," said Holmes, smiling. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Entirely." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'What, the red-headed man?' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "It is true that I have been generally successful." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the very morning of the wedding." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered head. So long, then!" "And is that all?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the morning and make my own way in the world.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Ample." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly I shall communicate with you." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "That is it on the dressing-table." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" 1.E.9. out." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "From his hat?" British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid gone before you can get him to hospital." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Yes, sir." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be new acquaintance to Baker Street. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly but preventing her from injuring another. woven round him. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "How about poison?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "May I see it?" "But how?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the iron safe, which he closed upon it. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had test if we have an answer to our advertisement." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the window, rose as we entered. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "It certainly sounds feasible." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, outside. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own we went to search for him, face downward in a little permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the four million human beings all jostling each other within the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only his face which made him a very different person to the round, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in indiscretion." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. happened." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I cannot tell." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely once more on the important position which you have been fortunate