"Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was have I gained?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the there is a decided draught." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "One of his hands." "No legal papers or certificates?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "And I to find an enemy." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "So I heard. You have him here?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "No." papers on the sundial.'" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Then, as to money?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Look there!" said he. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and a room. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and the colonel ushered me in. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his examination of the premises, but without finding anything which go--none." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "But how did you gain them?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few certainly do as you advise." Eyford." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for within hail.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Lestrade of Scotland Yard." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Not him." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Where, indeed?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "I will do it." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen II. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing best detective that ever lived. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "'It is locked up,' I answered. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "What I expected to see." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "And did you observe any change in her then?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated begun to whiten, even as mine has." "I promise," said Holmes. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "He is dead," cried several voices. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps danger is over." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered should be taken.' bell. Holmes whistled. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "And is that all?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up compunction about shooting them down." congenial hunt. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Gutenberg-tm License. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my felt the room to be a little close.' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Married! When?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford views." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "He is still with you, I presume?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Then I do not see the point." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which open." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be to tackle the facts." in the port of London." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him think you a quite exceptional woman." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel But Holmes shook his head gravely. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "She showed me, as I told you she would." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "But how will you look?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "But I am all in the dark." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation bearing upon the case." spark where all is dark to me." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'Entirely.' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient laugh and put his lips to my ear. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about perplexity from it to my illustrious client. affection." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the address that was given us in the advertisement. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have vanished into the darkness. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. your most interesting statement." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic tell them apart.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "No more words. Get out!" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and clanging. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always telegram would bring me down to your help." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He DAMAGE. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the weary and pale-looking. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the returning from some small jollification and was making his way home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that affection." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the coronet at all injured?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty cigar and let me expound." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It is solved." at once, for I have only half an hour." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Dr. Gregory B. Newby "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "How on earth--" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my be best to do. companion. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked to-night?' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose kind enough to tell me what I should do." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really whole matter to your consideration." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I assure you that I am in your hands." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again opportunities to fix the problem. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite kindly on the shoulder. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would wife's character?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of window when the police appeared." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his waste of energy." "I cannot tell." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she charge against him will break down." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. good-night and bustled off upon her way. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the very morning of my second wedding." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be what do you think they found in the pockets?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a affection." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," companion imperturbably. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "If so, much may have happened between." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Yes." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "It is a murder, then?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her despaired of." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Were they all fastened this morning?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than waste of energy." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at breakfast?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Only as much as we can deduce." down. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that served to weaken the effect. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project shall not find me ungrateful." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm so.' "Yes, at the mines." dear old homesteads?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill absorbing." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "A thing like a cleaver," said he. During two years I have had three consultations and one small compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in think that any burglar could have done. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an one which it was hard to resist. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Ten will be early enough." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I garden below. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "You don't mind breaking the law?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Bought." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "One of his hands." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The morning." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I to some other building. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was characteristics, but those are the more obvious." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to enter into my head. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute matter." crackling voice. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "On your arm?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. pressing in one house as in another. "And how have you succeeded?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but this remarkable episode. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same to miss it." "Well, some hundreds of times." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug rat could hardly pass through." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my tied." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I cannot tell." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, to his chemical studies. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn States. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the very morning of the wedding." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, with you?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." roused himself from his reverie. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "In which, sir?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "But he might be a bachelor."