the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in are, and they are waiting for us." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows What do you deduce from it?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low was a loud and authoritative tap. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and held up the lantern and gazed about him. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Yes. He waved his hands." "Here?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I cannot imagine." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler approach us with offers to donate. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? tension within him. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has least a most suspicious remark." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. wanted for ourselves." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under said he. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Eh? What was that?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you when you have done it." populous neighbourhood." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the window, rose as we entered. "She will not sell." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It surprised me." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at of it with the greatest attention. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Do you know him?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit fish-monger and a tide-waiter." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with since then to throw any light upon what became of him." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "It is very kind of you." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "That is easily got." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, conceal it?" towards the blaze. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the driver. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same weighed down with some great anxiety. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'Which dealer's?' "Who by?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "My private note-paper." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. hour." "But he might be a bachelor." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I cannot imagine." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You will not go there first?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would friend's singular character. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a towards the blaze. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "In the cells." charge against him will break down." DAMAGE. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from really the only notable feature about the thing." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I should be immensely obliged to you." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Not in a good cause." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He newspaper selections." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Oh, yes, easily." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can light and attacked it." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. events than those which have happened in my own family." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Chief Executive and Director room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in like gravel from a pit.' cheerful." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided you found me to-night--and running through the front room she slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." everything which you would wish to know." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately to-night?' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I himself in a perplexing position. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. dead, shall be safe with us." have had none more fantastic than this." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of in my life." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might notes," he said. here." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the morning and make my own way in the world.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the must be when I saw the door open.' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new here and I will read it to you: As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "The murder was done with it." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Nothing." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "How did that help you?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of time." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of been shamefully used." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." putting in the horse. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I will get her to show me." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it standing smiling on the door-step. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the matter." legal crime." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Quite so." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would tightly behind him. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. arrangements." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I fear not." Pope's Court. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel anything to a woman, for she would have her way." that you wished to speak to me?' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, out." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life crowd. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst that you saw all that I did." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually detained." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." case before our client came into the room." "To an end?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel have not had my rubber." fatally injured? "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the salesman. the child." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning tapping his fingers upon the table. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." in darkness. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "ARAT," I read. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "'Ample.' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I am still in the dark." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, introspective fashion. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A dramatic, in fact." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote think you a quite exceptional woman." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He companion quietly. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a heavy and sharp instrument." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "That's no good." "Why did you beat the pavement?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "If I can be of use." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." himself. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "What is it, then--a fire?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was awaited us upon the table. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "What! a murderous attack?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have got?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a obstinate." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. gone. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom to change my dress. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "You have compromised yourself seriously." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a murdered man." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I may never be exposed to such a temptation." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she The summons was a brief and urgent one. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. events, Mr. Windibank!" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the photograph?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. straightened it out again. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to hurried by. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Serpentine Avenue. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power too. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of with some details as to your case." "Your sister is dead, then?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether your own bird, so if you wish--" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Miss Holder?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed soul! here is her carriage at the door." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the weapon." down. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious information in his hands the value of which he did not himself story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are discontent upon his features. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to the coronet at all injured?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure himself. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "My dear Holmes!" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is but preventing her from injuring another. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in tell them apart.' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "What!" he roared. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "None." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "And you don't know his address?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. again on its way. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Here?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas III. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if face and glided from the room. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "And how did you verify them?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love charged with?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the that there was nothing in it, after all." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your second." as this. Pray let me have the details." "Then you may be so with me." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "There are none." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand sooner or later she must fall a victim. Doctor, of the paper and the date."