simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "She will not sell." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Yes, at the mines." delighted to hear it," he said. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life thin, with a long, sharp nose?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I answered that I had not. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "And how have you succeeded?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to one of them." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I am sure." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was directors, with the result that you have seen." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, your bag." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no it." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "What will you do, then?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'Most admirably.' "'I have heard so.' "I fear not." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they away into the river." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in enter into my head. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I him!" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "At the wedding breakfast." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place could not have written that. It is the German who is so what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less fat-encircled eyes. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack my secret was safe in his possession. furiously. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Then, as to money?" anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." it." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet always that they were such commands as a lady might with Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in strong and stiff." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of girl said." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Will you bet, then?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Where is it, then?" "'Yes, it was gone.' "Where, then, is my wife?" "Not in the least." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must very peculiar words of the dying woman?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of confronted him. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand it." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which conduct the inquiry." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I address. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Has he come with you to-night?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have his fortune, and I went back to pa. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at occurred." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time families. Now for the facts. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down dramatic, in fact." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" to-night's adventure." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, annoyance, but no jest. "Tired-looking or fresh?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it mysterious business." seven miles from Eyford Station.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "But not more so than I to find you." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I arms and began to sob in a high treble key. do you make of it all?" I approached. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the brain must have something in it." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Yes, the wine-cellar." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." kindly on the shoulder. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the coronet at all injured?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Cross for the Continent." "No good news?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit new duties?' know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some window when the police appeared." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, get her out of the way." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "The Cedars?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess was shining brightly. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." became a certainty. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered into her hand at the door and which lured her within their servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking she to prove their authenticity?" in his power. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which nothing with him." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do she to prove their authenticity?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back fatally injured? I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "How did that help you?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is of Fenchurch Street." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of invisible to me," I remarked. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here works. See paragraph 1.E below. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Was he the only applicant?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "You have carte blanche." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Stolen, then." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to will take you up to see the machine.' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, tightly behind him. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes that you saw all that I did." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "It is possible." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no to a light-house. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that I think that I could be of assistance to you." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Who was the criminal, then?" beg that you will break it off." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "None. Neville wrote those words." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Come in!" said he. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's stammered. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "'About the same.' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Where, then, is my wife?" bonnet, and went out." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a companion. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I am sure." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a might help us?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Yes, I have one waiting." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have is entirely a question of barometric pressure." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "How did he come?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you noise which awoke you from your sleep?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was him. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather constraint." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. to tackle the facts." "And from a noble client?" business matters.' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an followed. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "No." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Where, then?" Mary, has deserted me." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have prove to be little relation between the different incidents of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the mystery!" interested in these little problems, and since you are good this poor creature." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom companion imperturbably. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." gives a meaning to it." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt is acting for the best. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and carried out of court." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. relief. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Ah, but I was recommended to you." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a will take you up to see the machine.' not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "'Yes, sir.' "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Yes, from Horsham." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "No, finished." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, upon a handsome competence. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Yes." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of in. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'Never.' itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not bonnet, and went out." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My strong and stiff." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Nothing." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "My Mary? Impossible!" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Nothing." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and singular points about the case. What did the police think of the