"Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a of his shoulders. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I have solved it." over with notes and figures. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers relief. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the next day. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'And the work?' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the go--none." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, like that before?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to business." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he mysterious business." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "By train from Waterloo." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman occurred." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Ample." "'I have heard so.' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'Which dealer's?' Street. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' What do you deduce from it?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I asked. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "But his left-handedness." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and For additional contact information: and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud October 9, 1890. call you and give you the chance." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her horse could go." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That breakfast?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of acted in my house last night?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." lost his Christmas dinner." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and one's self under obligations.' Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "But not more so than I to find you." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I beg pardon." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell know what is wrong with it.' vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Indeed! Whose, then?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face outsides of the windows. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Edgeware Road. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." gentleman's clothes. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Holmes." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as coat-tails." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Get out!" said he. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the certainly not very gracious." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'There is a drive, then?' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the Red-headed League." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. gbnewby@pglaf.org He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Then what has happened to him?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "9th. McCauley cleared. "I am following you closely," I answered. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per rooms." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Project Gutenberg-tm works. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "And how did he make his money?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias at my own good fortune. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "The vanishing of the lady." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of mysterious end." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and fat-encircled eyes. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Very. But will he see it?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Could he throw no light?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently dead, shall be safe with us." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled residence of the great financier. "I am still in the dark." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This views." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of whole matter to your consideration." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Was he the only applicant?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these matter over." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "I am sure." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as to talk it over. train.' on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. over part of the map. "What do you read?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot your room." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Surrey." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As sparkled upon his finger. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Proceed, then." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "He slept on the premises." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the occurred." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than you do it in twenty minutes!' 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "And leave your case unfinished?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of beyond words. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." comes from the middle window." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "None." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "The Coroner: What do you mean? right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, have one." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter to change my dress. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Arthur Conan Doyle performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It new duties?' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the a monotonous occupation." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the in a very precise fashion." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather business?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "It was." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the gone before you can get him to hospital." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Seven!" I answered. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." knowledge of the world." like that before?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "And is that all?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly him to go away.' your sleep?' signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel instincts rose up against that laugh. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Certainly." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, face and glided from the room. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the records." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last ways of our fellow-men." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the weapon." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, shoulder. than was visible to me." "Oh, fresh and glossy." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I will, Miss Turner." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "One of his hands." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It ashen face. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is arrangements." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying behind me. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email him and tried to hold him back. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for acted in my house last night?" once more. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" colonel looking down at me. he bowed and left the room without another word. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the daring than any effort of the imagination." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." had picked up in the wood. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was *** START: FULL LICENSE *** thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my advice." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to was a perfect sample of the class. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I think it very unlikely." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with weighed down with some great anxiety. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Pope's Court. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, attention." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me and inquire as to the address." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged advice." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two paper in the air. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I soul! here is her carriage at the door." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "An accident, I presume?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward about. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan and no precautions can guard against." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery that he will be back before evening." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the writing, and yet I know it well." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him cigars in the box." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Never." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Pool. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not do." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Sutherland. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Eyford at 11:15.' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the armchair which I pushed forward for him. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "And on what day did he meet his death?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange hopeless attempt at recovering them." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Texas, I think." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Yes, all." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My when your master had gone out." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." eavesdroppers?' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Yes." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but was keenly on my guard against him. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Then he might have called to you?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers during which he might have communicated with his friend the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Not I." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a his face. nothing of it?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, bird I ate is country bred." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the