"You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "A call for help, you thought?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Very. But will he see it?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Why did you beat the pavement?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of awaited us upon the table. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a sooner or later she must fall a victim. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" of it with the greatest attention. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant papers." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any name is different." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton power." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the best of training." "Why? What do you mean?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep it means?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the ceiling. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but you?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them bachelor.' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Yes." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Do you know him?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her will take you up to see the machine.' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded distance from the station, and there we found the young lady my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." was feeling which was the fattest.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, gbnewby@pglaf.org The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. and have this put in the evening papers." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough politicians who had been sent down from the North. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address threw himself down with his face to the pillow. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at guilty parties." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case never will be, entirely cleared up. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sufficient punishment." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Then how many are there?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is side. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I will, Miss Turner." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I guessed as much." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "We were both in the photograph." exactly what you advise." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Won't it ring?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'I shall certainly be there.' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It is half-past ten now." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "What, then, did Peterson do?" from you?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE of receipt of the work. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered enter into my head. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "And Irene Adler?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "And it is--" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Well, it is a possible supposition." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your read it out to me." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have who was a member of your goose club." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work gone before you can get him to hospital." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Entirely." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Seven!" I answered. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone electronic works "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be your room." woman." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "In which, sir?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'A dozen yards or so.' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Did you observe the colour?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "But she could not love him." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Did he not advertise?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "How many? I don't know." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the detective. went to the Alpha were town bred." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a hereditary King of Bohemia." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are him to be an active member of the medical profession." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is The events in question occurred in the early days of my "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must how narrow had been my escape. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Was he the only applicant?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "That is not always so easy." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him bled considerably." were wasted." "It surprised me." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, questionable one." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when room. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "And I." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "It is possible." "Your presence might be invaluable." conclusions. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up eavesdroppers?' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by again before evening." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will was lame." room?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. indeed happy." "That was it, sir." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' case before our client came into the room." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, rose-bushes. my room." and put his glass in his pocket. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. remarked. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any leave you to your papers for a little." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "You will not go there first?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the ceiling. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "It is very clear." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's bell. Holmes whistled. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Well?" ventilator." shall use the carriage to-night." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Leadenhall Street--and--" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must present." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For one or two very singular points about this room. For example, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune interests were the same as his." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. help us in this matter." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of there when the Rucastles went away." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "And Irene Adler?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "You will not go there first?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His British peeress.'" "Will you go?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw any more." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "What are they?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Which are?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, there is a decided draught." confronted him. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with gives a meaning to it." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As you do it in twenty minutes!' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew both be extremely obliged.' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of that before taking the final step I should like to submit the true." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite who was a member of your goose club." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the King without delay." you for a few hours?" once more for Briony Lodge. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the inner apartment." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind tell him that I know him to be innocent." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Foundation "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant his wife has ceased to love him." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Ample." "And your father? Did you tell him?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. For additional contact information: night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Which dealer's?' like gravel from a pit.' of the way of danger. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the morning and make my own way in the world.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' most interesting one." at once, for I have only half an hour." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. client, rising. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. main points of my analysis." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Thank you. And your address?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, could not have written that. It is the German who is so Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon